Synonyms of strenuous

strenuous

adjective

ˈstren-yə-wəs 

1

as in vigorous

marked by or uttered with forcefulness

parents who voiced strenuous objections to the new textbooks

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vigorous
• aggressive
• violent
• emphatic
• dynamic
• energetic
• forceful
• muscular
• insistent
• vehement
• assertive
• compelling
• clear
• marked
• striking
• pointed
• decided
• resounding
• full-blooded
• noticeable
• conspicuous
• categorical
• plain
• unequivocal
• unambiguous
• absolute
• categoric
• impelling
• arresting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mild
• weak
• unemphatic
• nonassertive
• ambiguous
• guarded
• hesitant
• equivocal
• nonemphatic
• uncompelling
• wishy-washy
• understated
• halting

2

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort

a strenuous workout on the obstacle course

Synonyms & Similar Words

• difficult
• challenging
• rigorous
• tough
• demanding
• hard
• formidable
• heavy
• complicated
• arduous
• effortful
• rough
• rugged
• grueling
• sweaty
• laborious
• exhausting
• severe
• uphill
• painful
• toilsome
• backbreaking
• herculean
• tall
• gruelling
• testing
• exacting
• murderous
• intricate
• complex
• stiff
• serious
• killer
• problematical
• hellacious
• problematic
• stressful
• annoying
• brutal
• pick-and-shovel
• moiling
• oppressive
• elusive
• tricky
• stubborn
• onerous
• involved
• grim
• Augean
• burdensome
• bruising
• troublesome
• abstract
• abstruse
• thorny
• insoluble
• labored
• strict
• tight
• recondite
• irksome
• hairy
• ticklish
• vexatious
• stringent
• knotty
• opaque
• trying
• bothersome
• taxing
• distressing
• cruel
• spiny
• grievous
• inhuman

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• easy
• simple
• light
• soft
• undemanding
• effortless
• cheap
• mindless
• facile
• elementary
• manageable
• clear
• uncomplicated
• doable
• achievable
• gentle
• smooth
• painless
• relaxed
• soothing
• comforting
• friendly
• accessible
• user-friendly
• idiotproof

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

Recent Examples of strenuous

State officials recommended residents limit strenuous outdoor activity. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 9 Nov. 2024

Hike with docents at the Valley View Preserve near Ojai Docents from the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy will host a 2.5-mile, moderately strenuous hike at 8:30 a.m. Sunday through the Valley View Preserve. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024

Typically, ketosis kicks in when glucose is in short supply, such as during fasting, strenuous exercise, or a very low-carbohydrate diet.1 In recent years, ketosis has been popularized by the ketogenic (keto) diet. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2024

Drumming is a strenuous profession – and coupled with touring and performing it can be exhausting on every level. —Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2024