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

This helps regulate your core body temperature during transitions and strenuous activity. —Outside Online, 23 Oct. 2024

They are possibly trapped in their own queerness and desires, as they are forced to work in some of the most strenuous labor that colonialism has inflicted. —Damaly Gonzalez, ARTnews.com, 26 Sep. 2024

Yes, swirling powder into liquid is less strenuous than massaging kale. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 6 Oct. 2024

Although these differences can be addressed with local expertise, there are still many struggles with administrative and regulatory processes prior to trial activation that can make the process strenuous and protracted. —Avik Pal, Forbes, 24 Sep. 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