STRENUOUS Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'strenuous' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of strenuous are energetic , lusty , nervous , and vigorous . While all these words mean "having or showing great vitality and force," strenuous suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging. // the strenuous life on an oil rig

Q: When is 'energetic' a more appropriate choice than 'strenuous'?

The words energetic and strenuous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity. // an energetic campaigner

Q: In what contexts can 'lusty' take the place of 'strenuous'?

Although the words lusty and strenuous have much in common, lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment. // a lusty appetite for life

Q: When could 'nervous' be used to replace 'strenuous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to strenuous , nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor. // full of nervous energy

Q: When might 'vigorous' be a better fit than 'strenuous'?

The meanings of vigorous and strenuous largely overlap; however, vigorous further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness. // as vigorous as a youth half his age

strenuous

adjective

ˈstren-yə-wəs

Definition of strenuous next

as in vigorous

marked by or uttered with forcefulness parents who voiced strenuous objections to the new textbooks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort a strenuous workout on the obstacle course

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective strenuous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of strenuous are energetic, lusty, nervous, and vigorous. While all these words mean "having or showing great vitality and force," strenuous suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging.

the strenuous life on an oil rig

When is energetic a more appropriate choice than strenuous?

The words energetic and strenuous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity.

an energetic campaigner

In what contexts can lusty take the place of strenuous?

Although the words lusty and strenuous have much in common, lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment.

a lusty appetite for life

When could nervous be used to replace strenuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to strenuous, nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor.

full of nervous energy

When might vigorous be a better fit than strenuous?

The meanings of vigorous and strenuous largely overlap; however, vigorous further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness.

as vigorous as a youth half his age

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of strenuous Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for two weeks or as directed by your surgeon. —

Josephine Hessert, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024 Mental health in relation to the conditions of being on the road can be a strenuous and tenuous challenge. —

Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 27 Nov. 2024 The guest relations team can arrange childcare services for parents who would like to book an excursion that is not available to children, such as the popular but strenuous Base Towers hike. —

Sable Massingill Martinez, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 2024 The active wildfires prompted air quality alerts in both New Jersey and New York, with residents discouraged from practicing strenuous outdoor activities. —

Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 10 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for strenuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for strenuous

Adjective

Men who, following diagnosis, increased their physical activity to three or more hours per week of vigorous activity enjoyed lower risk of death from the disease than those who reduced their vigorous physical activity following diagnosis, research has found.

Markham Heid, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024
The after-effect is vigorous regrowth, helping bring in pollinators and other wildlife.

Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 9 Dec. 2024