vigorous

adjective

vig·​or·​ous ˈvi-g(ə-)rəs How to pronounce vigorous (audio)
Synonyms of vigorous
1
: done with vigor : carried out forcefully and energetically
vigorous exercises
2
: possessing vigor : full of physical or mental strength or active force : strong
a vigorous youth
a vigorous plant
vigorousness noun

Synonyms of vigorous

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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 vigorous in a Sentence

She remained vigorous into her nineties. His speech was met with vigorous applause. She gave a vigorous defense of her beliefs.
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.
The society recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous exercise each week, with 300 minutes being ideal. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026 The American Cancer Society recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous exercise each week, with 300 minutes considered ideal. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, plus muscle-strengthening exercises on two days. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Oct. 2026 The argument can be vigorous because the relationship is strong enough to survive it. — Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vigorous

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vigorous, vigrous, from Anglo-French, from vigour

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of vigorous was in the 14th century

Rhymes for vigorous

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Browse Nearby Words

vigoroso
vigorous
vigorously
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Cite this Entry

“Vigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vigorous. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

vigorous

adjective
vig·​or·​ous ˈvig-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce vigorous (audio)
1
: having vigor : robust
vigorous youth
a vigorous plant
2
: done with force and energy
a vigorous protest
vigorously adverb
vigorousness noun
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