rigid

adjective

ˈri-jəd How to pronounce rigid (audio)
Definition of rigidnext
1
as in strict
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards rigid enforcement of drug laws

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tough
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint a rigid man who cannot seem to relax

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3
as in hard
having a consistency that does not easily yield to pressure rigid steel bars that should be able to hold the weight

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4
as in stiff
incapable of or highly resistant to bending corsets, those rigid undergarments for women, must have been murder to wear

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5
as in tight
stretched with little or no give make sure that the clothesline is rigid so that the longer garments don't drag on the ground

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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 But recoveries are routinely stymied by a widespread constraint in health insurance policies: rigid caps on therapy sessions. — Jordan Rau, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2025 Sea lions and dolphins have been observed rigid with seizures, acting dazed and confused. — Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025 True teams integrate diverse perspectives across functions and levels, aligning around a shared purpose rather than rigid structures. — Keith Ferrazzi, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 Candidates overly focused on titles, rigid job descriptions, or chain of command may struggle in a fast-changing environment. — Abdo Riani, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rigid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigid
  1. strict
  2. tough
  3. hard
  4. stiff
  5. tight
  6. rigorous
  7. authoritarian
  8. solid
Adjective
  • Some venues, such as London's fabric, encourage a phone-free environment through guidance rather than strict enforcement.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025
  • First, monitor how Asian hubs respond to the surprising success of Singapore’s stricter regime - will Hong Kong double down on flexibility or pivot toward stability?
    — Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of strict
Adjective
  • But, then, the Warriors aren’t the only tough out in an overloaded Western Conference.
    — Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Even if Denver had that many future second-rounders to offer this summer, doing so two consecutive years would be a tough pill to swallow.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of tough
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
Definition of hard
Adjective
  • Plus, their slightly stiffer shape helps add an element of cohesion to looser-fitting garments.
    — Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 4 Apr. 2025
  • America and Germany soon found themselves in stiff opposition and U.S. officials, again, raised the possibility of securing the Islands.
    — Michael Loria, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of stiff
Adjective
  • This stretch can worsen pain in people with back pain, very tight hamstrings, or irritable nerves.
    — Aubrey Bailey, PT, DPT, CHT, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The Grizzlies, which entered with losses in seven of their last eight games and recently made a coaching change, are in a tight race in the Western Conference to avoid the NBA’s play-in tournament.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of tight
Adjective
  • 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
  • To receive autism certification through Autism Double Checked, staff at participating properties go through rigorous training on how to best support their autistic guests, such as how to adapt a menu for a picky eater and how to avoid strongly scented cleaning products.
    — Jamie Davis Smith, AFAR Media, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of rigorous
Adjective
  • Other writers and artists have also begun to mine this era for clues to China’s current authoritarian malaise.
    — Ian Johnson, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The obvious split between a democratic Taiwan and an authoritarian China is an uncontestable reality and is part of the international consensus.
    — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of authoritarian
Adjective
  • Pair it with a solid set of dinnerware and let your party guests fight over who gets the special plate.
    — Erika Owen, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Arsenal comes in with solid form, having no losses in their last six matches, going 2-2-0 in the Premier League and 1-1-0 in the Champions League.
    — Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of solid

Browse Nearby Words

right-wings
rigid
rigidified
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Cite this Entry

“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigid. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

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