1
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a rigorous football coach who pushes his players to their physical and mental limits
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy
a rigorous analysis of the data
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stringent
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards
a rigorous diet and exercise regimen
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4
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
studied for umpteen months for the rigorous exam
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rigorous
Last year, the program was revised so instead of a rigorous application process, nominations were made by school faculty so the Rotarians could find the most deserving students who could use financial assistance, Saks said.
—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
The God Squad has historically been convened only in exceptional cases, with rigorous checks and scientific review.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
The five startup founders who will pitch their ideas at Outside Ignite will be chosen from a rigorous selection process after an open call for applications that began in March.
—The Editors, Outside Online, 10 Apr. 2025
That’s the cost of such rigorous theming: Since you’re supposed to be inside a game, anything that gets in the way of that illusion is banned.
—Todd Anderson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
The God Squad has historically been convened only in exceptional cases, with rigorous checks and scientific review.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
The five startup founders who will pitch their ideas at Outside Ignite will be chosen from a rigorous selection process after an open call for applications that began in March.
—The Editors, Outside Online, 10 Apr. 2025
That’s the cost of such rigorous theming: Since you’re supposed to be inside a game, anything that gets in the way of that illusion is banned.
—Todd Anderson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Emily DeLetter,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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These speculations proved accurate when, on the second night of WrestleMania 41, Lynch was revealed as the mystery partner of Women's Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria in a tag team title match against the then-champions, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Repelling Pests Bay leaf's stringent scent is used to repel insects.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
14 Apr. 2025
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Consumer advocates argued for more up-to-date maps that could help assess risk to communities and impose more stringent requirements for utility infrastructure within high-threat areas.—
CalMatters,
Mercury News,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Whitecaps won games in Mexico, which is difficult to do.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2025
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The transition can be extremely difficult for some.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Over the next two years, Muhammad rang up five more victories against progressively tougher competition.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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The new legislation would also apply tougher scrutiny to the process of acquiring a conflict of interest waiver for this kind of work.—
Allison Pecorin,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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How To Translate Old-Fashioned Measurements Since measurements weren’t standardized, old-fashioned recipes often relied on household items instead of precise measuring tools.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
24 Apr. 2025
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But researchers also determined a precise mixture of extra ingredients to give their faux-calamari its familiar textural springiness.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Despite a challenging period for many luxury labels, in October, reports indicated LOEWE’s sales had increased 27.5% YoY. In March, long-time Creative Director Jonathan Anderson left the label, and Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez were appointed.—
Seth Matlins,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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The game is essentially 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball, offering a challenging experience that, while not entirely reflective of actual wheelchair basketball, provides a unique gameplay twist.—
Eammonn Dignam,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Hope reigns even in this harsh political climate we Americans are now experiencing.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
17 Apr. 2025
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With harsh conditions and adversaries threatening to end the Dutton legacy, Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) embarks on an arduous journey home, racing against time to save his family in Montana.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
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