rigorous

adjective

rig·​or·​ous ˈri-g(ə-)rəs How to pronounce rigorous (audio)
1
: manifesting, exercising, or favoring rigor : very strict
2
a
: marked by extremes of temperature or climate
b
3
: scrupulously accurate : precise
rigorously adverb
rigorousness noun
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
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.
Yet a Brown University study found that students who took courses from professors with more rigorous grading standards learned more. Karin Klein, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024 And the Bruins played a rigorous out-of-state schedule to prepare for another run. Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024 Julie Range, a policy manager for Commission Shift, an oil and gas watchdog group, commended the commission's request and called for a more rigorous review process for injection wells that contribute to underground pressure and exacerbate well failures. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Every insurance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rigorous 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rigorous was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near rigorous

Cite this Entry

“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigorous. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

rigorous

adjective
rig·​or·​ous ˈrig-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce rigorous (audio)
1
: very strict
2
: marked by great differences of temperature or climate
3
: very accurate
rigorously adverb
rigorousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on rigorous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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