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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 Established trees won’t need such rigorous attention. Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2025 The decision left thousands of refugees, many living in camps for years and having undergone a rigorous vetting process, stranded. Yonat Shimron, NPR, 21 May 2025 Digital forensics demands rigorous methodology to ensure evidence integrity and reliable findings. Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 Members have included figures such as Benjamin Franklin, Charles Darwin and Martin Luther King Jr. New members are chosen through a rigorous nomination and election process, according to the academy. Sacbee.com, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
  • Under the measure's broad scope and strict distance limits, few areas in Ohio would remain open to such purchases.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
  • Every lens test follows strict real-world testing, where every feature and all functions are tested to assess overall performance.
    James Abbott, Space.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Forecasts will become less accurate in time, with people getting less lead time when inclement weather may impact their daily lives.
    Bryan Karrick, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
  • The ultra-wide camera retains steadiness but produces video with more accurate colors.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Empowering SMEs With MSPs The cyber insurance industry recognizes that SMEs often lack the resources and in-house expertise to meet stringent cybersecurity requirements.
    Ratnesh Pandey, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Winner: Windows 11 Security Windows 11 has more stringent hardware security requirements.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • But the fact that Schwartzman, in his first film, was given the difficult task of stealing laughs away from a comedy legend, and so often succeeds in doing so, gives him the slight edge.
    Shannon Carlin, Time, 30 May 2025
  • Shaving requires removing the end cap of a bat, which can be difficult to do, and shaving down or thinning out the inner wall of the barrel.
    Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Their final test is the toughest in a rematch with the Edmonton Oilers, the same team that just last year took them to seven games in the Stanley Cup Final before the Panthers ultimately prevailed.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
  • When staring at twin suns like from much greater distances — many light-years away — astronomers have a much tougher time than young Skywalker in determining two stars from one.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Producing energy depends on precise teamwork between nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA, like two musicians playing in perfect harmony.
    Elay Shech, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
  • That is the precise formula the Pacers had used defensively to eradicate the Milwaukee Bucks and Cavs and push the Knicks to the brink of elimination.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The rise of one of this season’s greatest scene-stealers makes for a challenging conundrum — how far does the apple fall from the tree?
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 3 June 2025
  • Building wealth can be a challenging task, especially in challenging economic times.
    Anne-Lyse Ngatta, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Though Nicole reserves her harshest jabs for Jorgeous, the real heat is between Tina and Mistress.
    Chris Feil, Vulture, 23 May 2025
  • Padilla had harsh comments for the president and the GOP in a statement Thursday after the House vote.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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