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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sturdy

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in aggressive

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 But so far there has been little vigorous action to placate investors. — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The entity has embarked on a vigorous program of experiences and other projects to introduce the legendary band to a new generation of fans. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 There is a vigorous double jeopardy statute in New York state. — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 Thin out weak side branches and head back the larger branches by cutting them just above a vigorous lateral branch. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vigorous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigorous

Adjective

Luckily, Kittredge’s film is hugely entertaining, energetic, and insightful.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
By combining multiple types of light into one image, NASA is able to reveal the complete picture of what this energetic galaxy is made of.

— Brett Tingley, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of energetic

Adjective

Natural and lab-grown diamonds are sturdy enough to hold up to everyday wear, with gems like sapphire and moissanite right behind them.

— Larissa Ratschkowski, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026
These sturdy and reliable machines are great for both knocking out homework and streaming Netflix, with a big 24-inch FHD monitor that boasts good brightness and wide viewing angles.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of sturdy

Adjective

Davis delivered a strong preseason, but he is now likely headed to a redshirt rookie season unless injuries strike at tackle.

— Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
There’s no denying that the fall 2026 runways made a strong case for color; even the street style scene is on board, slipping into colorful shoes and sporting handbags in a variety of vibrant shades—baby pink, chartreuse, and cobalt.

— Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of strong

Adjective

And during a second-quarter earnings call with analysts Thursday, Ulta Beauty CEO Kecia Steelman reported that K-beauty momentum continued, with robust double-digit growth in category sales compared to the same period last year.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Its celebrity pedigree is astonishing (spokespersons and fans include Jane Fonda, Martha Stewart, Andie MacDowell, Heidi Klum, etc), its offerings are robust, and many, if not most of its products, are five-star successes.

— Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of robust

Adjective

Most mums of this type are suited for zones 5-9, but some exceptionally cold-tolerant varieties, such as Mammoth, are hardy down to zone 3.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
While hardier, wipeable furniture certainly has its time and place (say, messy craft sessions and sticky snack times), something a little more plush lends itself well to lounging around, reading breaks, and more relaxed forms of play.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of hardy

Adjective

Made with solid brush fibers, the applicator combs and controls the placement of the product so the finish is clump-free.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026
Minasian didn’t deny that there have been problems in the ninth inning, and his larger point was that the Giants have solid relievers who can be part of a good bullpen.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of solid

Browse Nearby Words

vigor

vigorous

vigorously

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Vigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigorous. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of vigorous

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes