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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2
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy
a rigorous analysis of the data
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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
The State of Alaska has solved this problem primarily through rigorous escapement management.
—
Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Our dedication to lasting value—a promise embodied in the timeless spirit of every watch—is built via rigorous curation, careful authentication, and an unwavering trust guarantee.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
This was a departure from Pärt’s earlier modernist and experimental music, and expressed a yearslong struggle to reconcile his newfound commitment to Orthodox Christianity and his rigorous artistic ideals.
—Jeffers Engelhardt, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025
The goal is to conduct rigorous scientific research to define and explain the effects of aging on dogs.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Our dedication to lasting value—a promise embodied in the timeless spirit of every watch—is built via rigorous curation, careful authentication, and an unwavering trust guarantee.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
This was a departure from Pärt’s earlier modernist and experimental music, and expressed a yearslong struggle to reconcile his newfound commitment to Orthodox Christianity and his rigorous artistic ideals.
—Jeffers Engelhardt, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025
The goal is to conduct rigorous scientific research to define and explain the effects of aging on dogs.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
-
Without a strict hierarchy or single decision-maker, our process can sometimes be slow, messy, or even tiring.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
-
At too many colleges, leaders have been reluctant to impose strict rules or harsh penalties for chatbot use, passing the buck to professors to come up with their own policies.—
Tyler Austin Harper,
The Atlantic,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Customer service and tech support will provide faster resolutions and more accurate answers.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
That volume of data is impractical to fit theoretical models to deliver large-scale, accurate predictions.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The result is a resilient, insight-ready infrastructure that supports faster investigations, leaner maintenance and more agile process improvement—without compromising the stringent regulatory environment that defines the industry.—
Nagesh Nama,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The administration has griped about the large fines that the EU has levied as a result of their privacy laws and antitrust laws that are significantly more stringent and enforced more frequently in Europe than in the United States.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Ncell, Nepal’s second-largest telecommunications service provider, noted that shutting down all platforms at once was, in any case, technically difficult and warned that the move would severely impact business.—
Nir Kshetri,
The Conversation,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Last summer, after years of hip problems and some difficult surgeries to address them, Jill had an operation that went poorly.—
Bianca Bosker,
The Atlantic,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The backcourt duo of Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, also known as the StudBudz, are shifty, tough shot-making guards who can get hot in a hurry.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
13 Sep. 2025
-
And that’s tough on those guys.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
According to the research team leader, Lin Xianfeng, an associate chief orthopedic surgeon at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital affiliated with the renowned Zhejiang University, the adhesive can achieve precise fixation within two to three minutes, even in a blood-rich environment.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
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Whatever, Dever quickly recanted her earlier precise testimony to the FBI about the sinister doings by those two dodgy cops behind Karen Read’s SUV.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy, Earle tackled a challenging routine that impressed the judges.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Real-world tests The scientists tested THOR AI on several challenging copper, argon, and tin cases.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Oysters inspired the researchers because of their remarkable ability to attach to rocks, bridge pilings, or even each other in the harsh underwater environment.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
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But the rules of the Long Walk are harsh and the stakes could not be higher.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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