rigorous

adjective

rig·​or·​ous ˈri-g(ə-)rəs 

1

: manifesting, exercising, or favoring rigor : very strict

2

a

: marked by extremes of temperature or climate

b

: harsh, severe

3

: scrupulously accurate : precise

rigorously adverb

rigorousness noun

Synonyms of rigorous

• strict
• tough
• harsh
• authoritarian
• rigid
• stern

Choose the Right Synonym for rigorous

rigid, rigorous, strict, stringent mean extremely severe or stern.

rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.

stringent standards of admission

Examples of rigorous in a Sentence

rigorous enforcement of the rules

a rigorous course of study

We subjected the data to a rigorous analysis.

Recent Examples on the Web

Early mandates included rigorous fitness regimes, limited social engagements and strict travel policies, notably for playoffs and Super Bowls, per The New York Times. —Maddie Garfinkle, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026

More than 17,000 wines from 58 countries were entered into the awards, before being supped and quaffed by 245 judges in a rigorous two-week process held in London. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 17 June 2026

These schools draw families who want access to downtown amenities, cultural institutions and the airport while still prioritizing rigorous academics or a specialty focus, whether that’s language immersion, college preparation or the arts. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026

Every student loan article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products. —Evan Zimmer, CNBC, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rigorous

• vigorous

Kids Definition

rigorous

adjective

rig·​or·​ous ˈrig-(ə-)rəs 

1

: very strict

2

: marked by great differences of temperature or climate

3

: very accurate

rigorously adverb

rigorousness noun