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

Just five minutes of vigorous exercise a day might help lower blood pressure, a new study suggests. —Linda Carroll, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024

Officials employ vigorous protocols to ensure the secure transportation of ballots from polling places to election offices after polls close. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

This vigorous, upright grower reaches a mature size of six to eight feet tall and four to six feet wide, making a lovely accent for shade gardens. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024

These appearances take the shape of friendly hangouts where Trump and the hosts cover topics like sports, libertarianism, free speech, dads, and conspiracy theories, a topic that connects with the former president’s vigorous deployment of baseless claims. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 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