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Synonym Chooser

How is the word rigorous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of rigorous are rigid, strict, and stringent. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

When can rigid be used instead of rigorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to rigorous, rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

When would strict be a good substitute for rigorous?

Although the words strict and rigorous have much in common, strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

When might stringent be a better fit than rigorous?

The synonyms stringent and rigorous are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 rigorous Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of financial products. Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2025 Explosives Detection Canine Handlers and their dogs undergo rigorous training to detect explosives at airports. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025 Most labs are not doing such rigorous studies, and most companies use commercial tests that aren’t as well-validated as the one used in his research, Scott says. Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025 His commitment to remaining honest results in some bracing scenes — ones that don’t necessarily clarify what went on but play like rigorous self-interrogations along the whole spectrum of heartbreak, loss, resentment, and infatuation. Ryan Leas, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
  • While strict organ specificity was observed for only six diseases, most conditions exhibited partial organ specificity.
    William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Australia has strict biosecurity laws regarding pet imports, with the standard quarantine period set at 10 days.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The United States should immediately resume sharing influenza data with WHO’s databases, providing the most accurate picture of circulating strains.
    Richard Hughes IV, Baltimore Sun, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Urban Planning By creating highly accurate 3D models of cities, project managers and architects can visualize the entire urban environment, simulate changes and make more informed decisions.
    Carlos Melendez, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Transparency is crucial as well as regular audits and compliance with regulations, including the GDPR and CCPA, will be important to ensure that customers' data are properly handled and the most stringent ethical standards are upheld.
    Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Due to this year’s more stringent requirements, there were fewer applications and there was a net loss of 80 châteaus from the 250 in 2020.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • As college sports continues its rapid professionalization, the ACC is in a difficult spot.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Another really tough stretch is ahead for the Heat.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Schneider wants to take calculated risks in free agency, but that can be tough to do when Seattle is one of many teams needing interior offensive upgrades.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • At her best, Gaga has all the wit, humor, and precise emotional control of the great jazz vocalists.
    Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Inference models now have the capability to process at much greater scale, leading to more precise actions and greater volume, which in turn leads to higher-value use cases.
    Jason Andersen, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Global hiring can offer a fresh solution in these challenging times.
    James Peters, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Our interview is challenging, the truth seeming to flit around us like some un-Shazamable song, but most enjoyable.
    Sam Davies, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Patriots are paying for potential more than immediate production, so the F grade feels harsh.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Nestled within denser parts of the clouds, the water would have been protected from being destroyed by harsh radiation from nearby stars, Latif said.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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