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

• austere
• authoritarian
• flinty
• hard
• harsh
• heavy-handed
• ramrod
• rigid
• severe
• stern
• strict
• tough

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

The legal profession has long been recognized for its rigorous standards and competitive environment. —Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

The finding that Israel has perpetrated genocide is a conclusion based on painstaking research and rigorous legal analysis. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

Emily, a clever talker, takes easily to the rigorous program and becomes a star student. —Tajja Isen, The Atlantic, 11 Dec. 2024

Popular on Variety To play one of the most renowned sopranos in the world, Jolie went through rigorous prep, going through every step necessary to pull it off. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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