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

Pioneering a Transparent, Equitable Future for Peer Review and Publishing of Scholarly Work For decades, the peer review process in academic publishing has been considered the benchmark—ensuring that only the most rigorous research makes its way into the world. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 25 Dec. 2024

Every mortgage review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of home loan products. —Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024

The longer times for traditional books could reflect typical publishing lead times, a more rigorous editing process, or other factors. —Roger Dooley, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

The group set in place a rigorous succession planning process with an internal and external search, which included nonfamily members. —Ritu Upadhyay, WWD, 23 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