vigorous

adjective

vig·​or·​ous ˈvi-g(ə-)rəs 

1

: done with vigor : carried out forcefully and energetically

vigorous exercises

2

: possessing vigor : full of physical or mental strength or active force : strong

a vigorous youth

a vigorous plant

vigorousness noun

Synonyms

• dynamic
• energetic
• flush
• gingery
• lusty
• peppy
• red-blooded
• robust
• vital

Choose the Right Synonym for vigorous

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 vigorous in a Sentence

She remained vigorous into her nineties.

His speech was met with vigorous applause.

She gave a vigorous defense of her beliefs.

Recent Examples on the Web

Almost immediately his attorney, Franklin D. Rosenblatt, said there would be a vigorous defense effort for King. —Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2025

And back to what Trump is spouting about; this cascade started with the vigorous free press of our reporters and their competitors at the other news outlets covering the NYPD. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 Dec. 2024

And while Tyla taps a singing bowl for some sound healing, Jessica Chastain and Michelle Yeoh do some vigorous face patting for some early morning revitalization. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024

The Public Policy Institute of California, a think tank that conducts vigorous and objective research into vital state issues, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a series of retrospective reports. —Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vigorous, vigrous, from Anglo-French, from vigour

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

vigorous

adjective

vig·​or·​ous ˈvig-(ə-)rəs 

1

: having vigor : robust

vigorous youth

a vigorous plant

2

: done with force and energy

a vigorous protest

vigorously adverb

vigorousness noun