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

During high pollution advisories, all residents — especially those more vulnerable to pollution — should minimize time and strenuous activity outdoors. —Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024

For most people, doing strenuous exercise within four hours of bedtime can disrupt sleep due to the increase in stress hormones that keep the brain awake, said Sairam Parthasarathy, MD, director of the Center for Sleep and Circadian Sciences at the University of Arizona Health Sciences. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 14 Dec. 2024

People are urged to stay inside and keep windows closed, use an air purifier if possible, avoid any strenuous activity outside, and turn off any house fans that bring in outdoor air. —Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

New Yorkers should reduce their exposure to excess fine particulate matter in the air by staying inside and avoiding strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation. —Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 10 Nov. 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