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
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 Ghafari stepped into her role in 2018 and faced a strenuous battle trying to gain respect from her constituents in Maidan Shar, the Wardick Province’s capital; other government officials; and her own father. 
Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Sep. 2022 Despite the strenuous relationship between their on-screen characters, Sydney and Maude formed a tight bond while filming two seasons of Euphoria together. Seventeen, 6 Sep. 2022 With the grant, Ursa Major will test the engine’s performance in more strenuous flight conditions than what is normally expected by commercial customers. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 2 Sep. 2022 Perhaps in part because the strenuous demands of the calling attract only those who are fully committed to God. Jim Towey, WSJ, 1 Sep. 2022 Martin McNair and Tonya Wilson lost their 19-year-old son, Jordan McNair, in 2018 after the University of Maryland football player suffered a heatstroke following a strenuous football workout. ABC News, 1 Sep. 2022 As a former competitive soccer player for the University of Southern California, sprints, high-intensity interval training, and strenuous lifting sessions were part of her regular routine. Ellen O'brien, Outside Online, 29 Aug. 2022 Myofascial trigger points tend to develop when a muscle is irritated by a new or more-strenuous-than-usual repetitive motion. Zachary Gillen, CNN, 16 Aug. 2022 The drivers said that such reminders were insulting in the context of their strenuous working conditions. New York Times, 20 Aug. 2022 See More
Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Sep. 2022 Despite the strenuous relationship between their on-screen characters, Sydney and Maude formed a tight bond while filming two seasons of Euphoria together. Seventeen, 6 Sep. 2022 With the grant, Ursa Major will test the engine’s performance in more strenuous flight conditions than what is normally expected by commercial customers. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 2 Sep. 2022 Perhaps in part because the strenuous demands of the calling attract only those who are fully committed to God. Jim Towey, WSJ, 1 Sep. 2022 Martin McNair and Tonya Wilson lost their 19-year-old son, Jordan McNair, in 2018 after the University of Maryland football player suffered a heatstroke following a strenuous football workout. ABC News, 1 Sep. 2022 As a former competitive soccer player for the University of Southern California, sprints, high-intensity interval training, and strenuous lifting sessions were part of her regular routine. Ellen O'brien, Outside Online, 29 Aug. 2022 Myofascial trigger points tend to develop when a muscle is irritated by a new or more-strenuous-than-usual repetitive motion. Zachary Gillen, CNN, 16 Aug. 2022 The drivers said that such reminders were insulting in the context of their strenuous working conditions. New York Times, 20 Aug. 2022 See More 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
: showing or requiring much energy and effort
a strenuous climb
2
: very active : energetic
He leads a strenuous life.
strenuous
adjective
1
as in vigorous
marked by or uttered with forcefulness parents who voiced strenuous objections to the new textbooks Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- vigorous
- aggressive
- violent
- emphatic
- dynamic
- forceful
- energetic
- muscular
- vehement
- insistent
- assertive
- compelling
- marked
- clear
- pointed
- striking
- decided
- resounding
- full-blooded
- noticeable
- conspicuous
- categorical
- plain
- unequivocal
- unambiguous
- absolute
- impelling
- arresting
- categoric
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- mild
- unemphatic
- weak
- nonassertive
- ambiguous
- nonemphatic
- uncompelling
- equivocal
- guarded
- halting
- hesitant
- wishy-washy
- understated
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
- arduous
- complicated
- heavy
- effortful
- grueling
- exhausting
- laborious
- rough
- rugged
- sweaty
- severe
- testing
- uphill
- toilsome
- backbreaking
- herculean
- painful
- gruelling
- exacting
- tall
- murderous
- complex
- intricate
- serious
- stiff
- hellacious
- killer
- involved
- stressful
- problematic
- moiling
- annoying
- brutal
- taxing
- oppressive
- onerous
- tricky
- bruising
- burdensome
- stubborn
- elusive
- labored
- grim
- pick-and-shovel
- troublesome
- abstruse
- problematical
- trying
- abstract
- irksome
- thorny
- tight
- Augean
- recondite
- strict
- insoluble
- vexatious
- ticklish
- stringent
- hairy
- knotty
- bothersome
- opaque
- cruel
- distressing
- spiny
- grievous
- inhuman
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- easy
- simple
- undemanding
- effortless
- soft
- doable
- light
- mindless
- uncomplicated
- cheap
- gentle
- facile
- achievable
- elementary
- smooth
- clear
- relaxed
- painless
- soothing
- manageable
- friendly
- comforting
- accessible
- user-friendly
- idiotproof
Synonym Chooser
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
The words energetic and strenuous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity.
an energetic campaigner
Although the words lusty and strenuous have much in common, lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment.
a lusty appetite for life
While in some cases nearly identical to strenuous, nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor.
full of nervous energy
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