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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vigorous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vigorous are energetic, lusty, nervous, and strenuous. While all these words 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

Where would energetic be a reasonable alternative to vigorous?

Although the words energetic and vigorous have much in common, energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity.

an energetic campaigner

In what contexts can lusty take the place of vigorous?

While the synonyms lusty and vigorous are close in meaning, lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment.

a lusty appetite for life

When is it sensible to use nervous instead of vigorous?

In some situations, the words nervous and vigorous are roughly equivalent. However, nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor.

full of nervous energy

When can strenuous be used instead of vigorous?

The synonyms strenuous and vigorous are sometimes interchangeable, but strenuous suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging.

the strenuous life on an oil rig

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 vigorous Between the lines: Huffman, 60, had been predicating his challenge on the argument that Democrats need vigorous committee leadership to fight the impending Republican trifecta in Washington. Andrew Solender, Axios, 2 Dec. 2024 Illinois’ Democratic leaders promised a vigorous defense — and potential court action — against any moves by President-elect Donald Trump to try to erode personal liberties or withhold federal funds for the state during his coming four-year tenure. Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2024 Director Rob Reiner’s vigorous direction brings it to full-parade power. Duane Byrge, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Dec. 2024 Photographer Daniel Valverde Fernandez captured the moment (seen above) the bear gave a vigorous shake to send the powder flying into the swirling winds. Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vigorous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigorous
Adjective
  • This adaptation is especially significant given the energetic limitations of the deep sea; by luring prey rather than actively hunting, the anglerfish minimizes energy expenditure—a critical advantage in a resource-scarce ecosystem.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Bleachers, the energetic pop band led by Taylor Swift producer Jack Antonoff, played Connecticut a few months ago at the Soundside Festival in Bridgeport, joining that festival when Queens of the Stone Age had to drop off the bill.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Huawei says the main foldable display is built on top of a carbon fiber glass plate which helps reinforce the screen, and the hinge connecting the moving parts feel sturdy and reassuring.
    Ben Sin, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • This sturdy ice scraper has a padded, ergonomic handle that makes for an easy grip with or without gloves.
    Camryn Rabideau, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Kristin talks with peers, peers’ parents, and every staff member, explaining how the dog is trained, how to behave around it, and soothing any worries regarding potential aggressive actions.
    Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Atlanta’s aggressive defense disrupted the Knicks’ rhythm early and often.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • As watch collecting has become more sophisticated, so have these aggregators/sales platforms, some of which are robust enough to be used and endorsed by major auction houses.
    Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2024
  • This is an important distinction because productivity gains (a worker’s output) have been robust over the past several quarters, returning to levels consistent with the 1950-2009 average as opposed to the post-Global Financial Crisis experience.
    Jeffrey Schulze, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Volvo leans heavily into its Swedish roots, building hardy machines that can withstand brutal winters in its home country.
    Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 5 Dec. 2024
  • In the garden, winterberry is hardy in a wider range than its evergreen cousin, from Zones 3-9.
    Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Early in the first quarter, James had an emphatic dunk in transition, had a chase-down block against Desmond Bane and then tipped in a putback layup during a 20-second stretch to give the Lakers an early lead.
    Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 16 Dec. 2024
  • For a Knicks team grappling with how to match fire with fire in physical battles against grueling NBA defenses, that emphatic screen was a defining moment—a statement of intent.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • For context, ArcelorMittal revenues grew 45% between 2020-2022, primarily aided by a solid rally through 2021 on account of rising steel and iron ore prices, as well as restocking across the industry.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • To repurpose my disorientation and anger into something more actionable, solid and firm.
    Rebekah Pahl, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near vigorous

Cite this Entry

“Vigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigorous. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on vigorous

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