strenuous

adjective

stren·​u·​ous ˈstren-yə-wəs How to pronounce strenuous (audio)
Synonyms of strenuous
1
a
: vigorously active : energetic
Avoid strenuous exercise until the sprain heals.
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 How to pronounce strenuous (audio)
noun
strenuously
ˈstren-yə-wəs-lē How to pronounce strenuous (audio)
adverb
strenuousness noun

Synonyms of strenuous

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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
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.
Consider rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening if possible. — Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026 Check your local air-quality index, limit strenuous outdoor activity when pollution levels are high and avoid exercising near heavy traffic when possible. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 31 July 2026 Developed in partnership with Hyperice, which makes a range of muscle relief gear, it's aimed at athletes looking for effective recovery after strenuous activity. — New Atlas, 31 July 2026 Drinking cold water may provide the best hydration after a strenuous workout, while sipping warm water may help boost digestion. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for strenuous

Word History

Etymology

Latin strenuus

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of strenuous was in 1599

Rhymes for strenuous

See All Rhymes for strenuous

Browse Nearby Words

strenuosity
strenuous
strenuously
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Cite this Entry

“Strenuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strenuous. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

strenuous

adjective
stren·​u·​ous ˈstren-yə-wəs How to pronounce strenuous (audio)
1
a
: very active : energetic
leads a strenuous life
b
: fervent, zealous
strenuous protest
2
: showing or requiring great energy
strenuous tasks
strenuously adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on strenuous

Nglish: Translation of strenuous for Spanish Speakers

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