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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

Example 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 Those storage spots typically contain enough glycogen to fuel 90 to 120 minutes of vigorous movement, such as running. Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 28 Jan. 2025 February 9, 1893: With pure, vigorous blood coursing through the veins and animating every fiber of the body, cold weather is not only endurance but pleasant and agreeable. Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 In every sense: There's the sensitivity, redness, and texture that comes with late nights and vigorous face-scrubbing, along with the general cold-weather malaise. Vogue Club, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2025 No more hugs On the other hand, the 2020 confirmation hearing for Barrett showed Democrats the dangers of not having a vigorous spokesperson to lead the charge. Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for vigorous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigorous
Adjective
  • Whatever the reason, pop the top and embrace this energetic, aromatic, and balanced to the very last drop.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
  • While the mood throughout the night was mostly energetic and festive, a few speakers took aim at Trump's policies.
    Axios, Axios, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This lends a more expensive feel, resulting in a sturdy tablet without being thick or heavy, at 0.3 inch thick and 1.2 pounds.
    Matthew Buzzi, PCMAG, 6 Feb. 2025
  • This sturdy sideboard is equal parts functional and stylish.
    Shea Simmons, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, her life was turned upside down last week after President Donald Trump’s administration began instituting mass layoffs as part of an aggressive effort to trim the federal workforce.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Beef, coffee and orange juice are among groceries with higher prices, but eggs are uniquely affected by the aggressive strain of avian flu, which has strained supply.
    Dakin Andone, CNN, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Engaging with patient safety expertise will be crucial in creating a robust regulatory environment that balances the drive for innovation with the necessity of safeguarding patient health.
    Rob El Kareh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
  • The company reported a 115% year-over-year increase in revenue, surpassing analysts’ estimates and signaling robust user engagement despite market volatility.
    Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The plant also will be hardy in warmer zones with higher numbers.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Cockroaches are famously hardy, and this species can survive at least a week, if not more, without food or water (don’t worry: these cyborgs are well-fed on a diet of carrots and apples).
    Anna Funk, Discover Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Late in a herky-jerky first half, the backup guard’s emphatic drive and dunk helped cut into Penn State’s lead.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Later, as Billy has an emphatic conversation with Robinson and Sinatra OUT IN THE OPEN, Xavier sees them but can’t hear what’s going on.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Eagles defensive linemen Josh Sweat and Milton Williams, who both tallied sacks in the Super Bowl, are expected to sit atop a solid free-agent group that should draw interest from New England.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Last year’s matchup was one of the most intense Texas basketball games of the year, largely due to both Keller and North Crowley having solid crowd support.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near vigorous

Cite this Entry

“Vigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigorous. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vigorous

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