exertion

noun

ig-ˈzər-shən How to pronounce exertion (audio)
Definition of exertionnext
1
as in activity
energetic movement of the body for the sake of physical fitness often the television addict's greatest attempt at exertion was switching channels on the remote control

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in effort
the active use of energy in producing a result the number of blueberries that we were finding was hardly worth the exertion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 exertion Daily massages are included in each program, and much of the retreat's appeal comes from the contrast between exertion and restoration. — Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2026 While a metric like heart rate can take minutes to show an increase or decrease in exertion, blood flow and oxygenation data provide an immediate feedback loop. — Aaron Timm, Forbes.com, 16 June 2026 The push out of their respective comfort zones is sweaty, arduous, and, the series suggests, exactly the kind of exertion that sustains a relationship. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 A smoke advisory also was in effect for a broad area of East Los Angeles, with officials recommending that residents reduce outdoor exertion and that sensitive individuals stay inside. — Sydney Barragan, Daily News, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exertion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exertion
  1. activity
  2. effort
  3. conditioning
  4. work
  5. exercise
Noun
  • The purchase reflects a broader effort to improve protection at military bases as unauthorized drone activity becomes more common.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026
  • But when menstrual symptoms become severe enough to interfere with work, school, relationships or daily activities, something more serious may be going on.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Definition of activity
Noun
  • But the effort was set aside after the onset of COVID-19, which caused massive disruptions across the Los Angeles Unified School District, said Michael Trujillo, a political strategist for Gonez.
    — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Both countries have stepped up efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation and uphold international law in the strait, including hosting a summit with 51 other nations in April.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of effort
Noun
  • Historical data about the parts of the nation that use the most air conditioning shows a strong geographical trend.
    — Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Europe has long resisted air conditioning as noisy, an eyesore on architectural facades and unnecessary, as brutal summer heat has been relatively short-lived.
    — Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Definition of conditioning
Noun
  • But when menstrual symptoms become severe enough to interfere with work, school, relationships or daily activities, something more serious may be going on.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • Oh, and hundreds of her works fill the screen, a magnificent and vibrant tour through her glorious career.
    — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of work
Noun
  • The exercise brought together the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force under Project Vantage, an initiative aimed at accelerating the testing and evaluation of maritime attack drones.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
  • Go through the mental exercise of all the potential difficulties.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of exercise

Browse Nearby Words

exerting
exertion
exertions
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Cite this Entry

“Exertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exertion. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on exertion

Nglish: Translation of exertion for Spanish Speakers

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