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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 Increasing access to rigorous Cambridge curriculum the past three years and exhibiting strong student performance on Cambridge exams; and demonstrating the district’s dedication to expanding access to high-quality education for all students. Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025 The proposal to reincorporate to a Nevada corporation was recommended following a rigorous and thoughtful analysis by our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and our Board of Directors. Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025 Every tax article is based on rigorous reporting by expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of tax products. Brian Sloan, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2025 These competitions are known for their rigorous judging processes and high standards, making their results highly respected in the wine industry. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
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
Adjective
  • Assuming that number is accurate, Rick would have been born around 1975, probably after Jim started doing business in Thailand.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 31 Mar. 2025
  • There's a free in-app voice transcription feature too, which is just as accurate as the pricier, stand-alone software out there.
    Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Supplements have less stringent regulations and are not FDA-approved.
    Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Safety rating All reputable manufacturers sell only booster seats that have passed stringent safety tests administered by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There are very big match-ups being played week in and week out in what is one of the most difficult leagues to play in on the planet, this means the big contenders will drop points more often than in some other leagues.
    Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Generations of design successors have insisted that pie charts are difficult to read and even amount to optical informatic illusions, but we are still stuck with them.
    Mara Mills, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the Lotus ladies will have some tough competition, including seven-time winner Allison Janney, two-time winner Patricia Arquette, and potential double nominee Kaitlyn Dever.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • What tough lessons does Cole learn through the process of getting involved with a patient this season?
    Max Gao, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the Polestar 2, range drops in increments of 10 miles but the Polestar 3 gives more precise estimations.
    Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • This bundle comes with a folio case and Lenovo's excellent Tab Pen Plus, with pressure and tilt detection for more precise control.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Assessing type A skills of collaboration solely from resumes can be challenging.
    Ming-Chien Chyu, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Having a terminal diagnosis is challenging but also clarifying.
    Ashley M. Wilcox, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Donald Trump defended his harsh new tariffs on Saturday Night Live this week — and maybe took a swipe at last week’s musical guest, too.
    Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 5 Apr. 2025
  • When the father tried to explain himself, the women criticized him for being too harsh.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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