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

Too many Democrats appear convinced that a vigorous defense of trans rights would instantly cost them their elections, even though polls have shown for years that most voters oppose anti-trans policies and rhetoric. —Samantha Riedel, Them, 24 Oct. 2024

The resulting air of authenticity is palpable, yet the fast-moving action, cleverly constructed story line, and vigorous performances feel synthetic throughout. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2024

One of these questions could very well be on the potential damage to the brand from his vigorous and outspoken campaigning for Donald Trump. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2024

Wages in industry, technology, and even retail are rising to match inflation, the cost of living, and a vigorous struggle for qualified personnel. —Jim Osman, Forbes, 19 Oct. 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