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Synonym Chooser

How is the word rigid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of rigid are rigorous, strict, and stringent. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

When would rigorous be a good substitute for rigid?

The synonyms rigorous and rigid are sometimes interchangeable, but rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

When might strict be a better fit than rigid?

The words strict and rigid can be used in similar contexts, but strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

When could stringent be used to replace rigid?

Although the words stringent and rigid have much in common, stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.

stringent standards of admission

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of rigid By contrast, the plantation economy relied on rigid racial hierarchies and hereditary enslavement. Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025 Say goodbye to the uncomfortable confines of rigid denim: Sweatpant jeans are here to stay, and only PEOPLE readers can snag them on sale. Averi Baudler, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Jett, too, recalls a time when health care felt less rigid. Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025 Among those shortcomings involve the safety of the Next Gen car: The parts were too rigid, drivers claimed, and thus made certain angles of certain hits harder and feel more dangerous. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rigid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigid
Adjective
  • Augusta National Golf Club, where the tournament takes place each April, has a strict no cell phone and cameras rule during the four days of official competition.
    Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 18 Apr. 2025
  • So Read, a 56-year-old sexologist and writer based in Calgary, Canada, developed a strict sleep and bedtime routine.
    Erica Sweeney, SELF, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Over the next two years, Muhammad rang up five more victories against progressively tougher competition.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • On the other side, the Grizzlies had an even tougher time with Curry, who finished with 52 points on 16-of-31 shooting.
    Anthony Slater, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Sandoval has received some pay bumps, including a temporary $10,000-a-year bonus for Hawaii special education teachers designed to alleviate shortages in that and other hard-to-staff areas.
    Alia Wong, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2023
  • The five-year commemoration of that day is particularly hard for Jennifer, who usually shies away from talking publicly about her loss.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • The point in this rally is to encourage our judiciary to deliver stiff sentences when animal cruelty has been committed, and solid evidence has been presented.
    Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Hurricane Helene cleanup efforts in East Tennessee are up against a stiff deadline as crews work to complete the project by June.
    Asher Redd, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Traction alopecia Anything that involves repeatedly pulling your hair into a tight style should be avoided.
    Shannon Lawlor, Glamour, 14 Apr. 2025
  • There’s no tighter part of the property for patrons than Amen Corner, tens of thousands pressed together to watch as McIlroy’s ball flew through the air once, then twice.
    Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.
    Keagan Ostop, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
  • At some point in the mid-1960s, artist Don Bachardy began to make a regular practice of having the sitter for a portrait-drawing sign and date the sheet of paper, just as the artist did, at the end of a rigorous, multihour session.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His parents were Italian immigrants who fled Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime, and his grandmother Rosa Margherita Vassallo di Bergoglio was active in Catholic Action, formed by Italian bishops who wanted to maintain their independence from Mussolini’s authoritarian rule.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been called an authoritarian, and previous reports have noted restrictions to civil liberties.
    Graham Smith, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This offseason, the team didn't have to make too many outside additions as the roster is solid at most spots.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • For now, the economy remains in solid shape by several top measures.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigid. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rigid

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