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Synonym Chooser

How is the word strict distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of strict are rigid, rigorous, and stringent. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

When could rigid be used to replace strict?

The synonyms rigid and strict are sometimes interchangeable, but rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

When would rigorous be a good substitute for strict?

The words rigorous and strict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

When is it sensible to use stringent instead of strict?

Although the words stringent and strict have much in common, stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.

stringent standards of admission

Examples 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 strict His remarkable physique is a testament to that strict regimen. The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 Those numbers dropped after the Trump administration enacted stricter immigration policies but picked back up through 2018. Dan Gooding, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 Swift action on immigration policy was proof of how Democrats were no longer resisting some strict enforcement proposals. Stephen Groves, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025 Certified billing software must meet strict criteria to ensure data integrity and support potential real-time reporting. Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for strict 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strict
Adjective
  • While some might have considered the project too niche, Kyle’s intuition about the product’s appeal seems to have been accurate, with even the X Games getting a taste of the product earlier this year.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Still, Republicans have said that even if that call was accurate, the C.I.A. failed in understanding other key events: how quickly the Afghan government could collapse, how Bashar al-Assad would flee Syria and how Hamas was preparing to attack Israel.
    Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Like many large employers, the agency proactively seeks qualified candidates from as many sources as possible, all of whom must meet rigorous qualifications that of course will vary by position.
    John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
  • These suppliers undergo rigorous vetting processes and must meet safety standards to prevent potential hazards.
    Tim Bajarin, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Here’s one of my favorite changes: For loans up to $500,000, lenders can now use their standard credit policies rather than following rigid SBA-specific guidelines.
    Matthew Meehan, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Policies that feel unnecessarily rigid—such as denying restroom access to paying members—could potentially push customers toward more flexible competitors.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But the flip side is also true: Nothing would be more harmful than letting the Small Business Deduction disappear at the end of the year.
    John E. Kelly Jr., Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2025
  • By staying true to her own experiences, her music naturally encourages others to embrace courage, authenticity, and a childlike sense of wonder—an organic process that defines the heart of her artistic contribution.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • So, if the Dodgers transition from the team that was unable to win it in a 162-game regular season to a dynasty similar to the Yankees dynasty, then the complaints of harsher regulations against the Dodgers may be warranted.
    Tyler Small, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Avoid harsh or irritating products such as hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) or retinoids.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Doti addresses this by enforcing real-time permissions at the source, providing granular access controls, and offering flexible deployment options, including on-premise setups for organizations with stringent compliance needs.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Relief agencies accused Israel of overly restricting deliveries with stringent inspections and the closure of border crossings, which Israel denied, and have said that at least 200 trucks per day were required to provide food, medicines, fuel, clean water and other essentials.
    Hiba Yazbek, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • From general manager Kyle Davidson on down, the Blackhawks are always careful not to criticize Jones.
    Scott Powers, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
  • But be careful when scrolling, as the answers are at the end of the article.
    John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Yoon’s order faced fierce backlash from the public and lawmakers across the political spectrum, reviving painful memories of the country’s authoritarian past.
    Gawon Bae, CNN, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Yes, dollars circulated in authoritarian, murderous Syria because market goods did.
    John Tamny, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near strict

Cite this Entry

“Strict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strict. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on strict

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