VIGOROUS Synonyms: 207 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

vigorous

adjective

ˈvi-g(ə-)rəs

Definition of vigorous

as in energetic

having active strength of body or mind he remains healthy and vigorous despite being over 80 years old

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sturdy

able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure vigorous and sturdy little sheep bred to live in mountainous regions

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in aggressive

marked by or uttered with forcefulness offered a vigorous dissent to the proposal

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in strong

not showing weakness or uncertainty gave the bottle of sauce a vigorous shaking

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 For large, mature plants, dividing can also help support vigorous blooming, as overcrowding can negatively impact the plant’s ability to develop blooms. — The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026 Varieties like Elberta Peach and Redhaven Peach are popular for their vigorous growth and often produce fruit within the first year under optimal conditions. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 28 July 2026 Also, keep the plants vigorous with fertilizer applications once or twice a year. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2026 Mint is a vigorous spreader; to keep it contained, plant it in a container and bury it in the ground. — Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for vigorous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigorous

Adjective

Manzambi is seen as dynamic, energetic, a strong ball-carrier and importantly, versatile.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Thanksgiving always has produced an interesting dynamic with five tall, energetic kids circling for a turkey leg.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of energetic

Adjective

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula until a shaggy dough forms.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Stidham with a sturdy opening act There may not have been another Broncos player who was more eager to get on the field Friday night than Stidham.

— Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of sturdy

Adjective

His preference for a 4-2-3-1 has been evident, however, and the German is looking for Newcastle to be aggressive in the press, intensive and also direct, with a plan to get the ball forward as quickly as possible.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Throughout his scuffles, however, Boone felt Grisham had gotten more aggressive inside the strike zone.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of aggressive

Adjective

Emery knows that his side are robust when battling adversity yet need to find a way to rectify blind spots in their game, such as the tendency to drift through certain matches and against specific tactical challenges.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
If growth stays robust and financial conditions remain loose, demand could stay strong enough to keep inflation elevated and force the Federal Reserve to raise rates more than investors currently expect.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of robust

Adjective

Add a can of white beans for heft and serve with peppery greens like arugula or a hardy chicory like radicchio.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026
The Cyclospora parasite is particularly hardy, so routine rinsing or washing of produce is unlikely to kill it.

— Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of hardy

Adjective

There's some solid Santa Maria-style BBQ tri-tip, as well as Tex Mex classics like nachos and quesadillas alongside a variety of burgers and fries.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Ryan Christie, Lewis Cook and Alex Toth are solid rotation options in midfield.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of solid

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vigor

vigorous

vigorously

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“Vigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigorous. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of vigorous

adjective

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