strict

adjective

ˈstrikt 

1

a

: stringent in requirement or control

under strict orders

b

: severe in discipline

a strict teacher

2

a

: inflexibly maintained or adhered to

strict secrecy

b

: rigorously conforming to principle or a norm or condition

3

: exact, precise

in the strict sense of the word

4

: of narrow erect habit of growth

a strict inflorescence

5

archaic

a

: tight, close

also : intimate

b

: narrow

strictly

ˈstrik(t)-lē 

adverb

strictness

ˈstrik(t)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• accurate
• true
• careful
• exact
• precise
• authentic
• faithful

Choose the Right Synonym for strict

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 strict in a Sentence

Her parents aren't very strict.

He insists on strict adherence to the rules.

Recent Examples on the Web

The therapy will debut at Relive Health’s Stuart, Florida location, thanks to recent updates in Florida’s regulatory framework allowing advanced stem cell treatments under strict medical oversight. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025

The weddings are planned by celebrity event stylist Slomique Hawrylo and adhere to a strict budget. —Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025

Vought has long advocated for strict cuts Vought was a key architect of the controversial Project 2025, a conservative playbook released in 2023 to guide a potential future Republican administration. —Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025

To this day, the family follows a strict care regimen. —Dave Boucher, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stricte, from Latin strictus, from past participle of stringere to bind tight — more at strain

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Phrases Containing strict

• in strict/strictest confidence
• in the strict/strictest sense (of the word)
• strict liability

Rhymes for strict

• bricked
• clicked
• flicked
• kicked
• licht
• licked
• nicht
• nicked
• picked
• pricked
• richt
• slicked

Kids Definition

strict

adjective

ˈstrikt 

1

: permitting no avoidance or escape

under strict orders

2

a

: kept with great care : absolute

strict secrecy

b

: carefully obeying rules or a code of conduct

3

: completely correct : exact, precise

in the strict meaning of the word

strictly

ˈstrik-(t)lē 

adverb

strictness

ˈstrik(t)-nəs 

noun

Legal Definition

strict

adjective

1

: characterized by narrowness : not demonstrating a broad or liberal view

strict interpretation

2

a

: firm or rigid in requirement or control

b

: severe in discipline

3

a

: inflexibly maintained or adhered to

b

: rigorously conforming to a principle or norm or condition

a strict bill of interpleader

4

: not requiring fault see also strict liability at liability sense 2b

strictly adverb