strenuous

adjective

stren·​u·​ous ˈstren-yə-wəs 

1

a

: vigorously active : energetic

b

: fervent, zealous

his most strenuous supporters

2

: marked by or calling for energy or stamina : arduous

a strenuous hike

strenuosity

ˌstren-yə-ˈwä-sə-tē 

noun

strenuously

ˈstren-yə-wəs-lē 

adverb

strenuousness noun

Synonyms

• aggressive
• assertive
• dynamic
• emphatic
• energetic
• forceful
• full-blooded
• muscular
• resounding
• vehement
• vigorous
• violent

Choose the Right Synonym for strenuous

vigorous, energetic, strenuous, lusty, nervous mean having or showing great vitality and force.

vigorous further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness.

as vigorous as a youth half his age

energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity.

an energetic campaigner

strenuous suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging.

the strenuous life on an oil rig

lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment.

a lusty appetite for life

nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor.

full of nervous energy

Examples of strenuous in a Sentence

Avoid all strenuous exercise until the sprain heals.

Today has been a very strenuous day.

The proposal has faced strenuous opposition.

Recent Examples on the Web

Drumming is a strenuous profession – and coupled with touring and performing it can be exhausting on every level. —Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2024

Officials recommended that people limit prolonged or strenuous activity outdoors. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 13 Oct. 2024

That said, the combination helped the muscle cells during normal conditions and those that imitated strenuous exercise. —Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 11 Oct. 2024

With the exception of the strenuous hike to Shosan-ji (Temple 12), the trail is more beautiful than challenging, passing through a landscape of small rural villages and cedar forests. —Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin strenuus

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

strenuous

adjective

stren·​u·​ous ˈstren-yə-wəs 

1

a

: very active : energetic

leads a strenuous life

b

: fervent, zealous

strenuous protest

2

: showing or requiring great energy

strenuous tasks

strenuously adverb