vigorous

1 of 2

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

vigorousness

2 of 2

noun

vig·​or·​ous·​ness
plural -es
: the quality or state of being vigorous : forcefulness

Synonyms of vigorous

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Adjective

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Choose the Right Synonym for vigorous

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

Adjective 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
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Adjective
Some breathlessness during stair climbing can be normal, especially during vigorous activity. — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2026 Texas law requires elementary schools to provide at least 30 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity, which can be cut to 27 minutes per day if scheduling makes the full amount impractical. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026 Cutting the tree stimulates vigorous root suckering, causing dozens of shoots to pop up and spread even further. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 22 Oct. 2026 Figures emerge from his signature black background, their silhouettes resolving and dissolving amid legato drips and vigorous brushwork. — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vigorous

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

Noun

Middle English vigorousnesse, from vigorous + -nesse -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

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

See All Rhymes for vigorous

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 1 Nov. 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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