Definition of strictnext
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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

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 strict Researching cannabis involves navigating obstacles such as paperwork and following strict rules to ensure that it is stored securely and used as designed. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 4 May 2026 In addition, local inland wetland agencies may have stricter regulations on planting, disturbing or controlling specific invasive plants in sensitive areas within their town. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026 Limit eligibility with strict income, residency and enrollment rules to control costs while prioritizing citizens and legal residents. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026 The remaining passengers, who are from 23 different countries, including 17 Americans, are required to follow strict precautionary measures, including isolation and medical monitoring, the cruise operator said. Dennis Romero, NBC news, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for strict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strict
Adjective
  • But part of the reason is that even with our most precise and accurate measurements that lead to a determination of the gravitational constant, those various teams and methods haven’t converged on a single answer.
    Big Think, Big Think, 6 May 2026
  • More accurate simulations could speed up drug discovery, improve materials design, and reduce the need for costly laboratory experiments.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • Every personal finance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 2 May 2026
  • The process began with a rigorous study and a series of strategic partnerships.
    FMG Studios, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Iris’ dreams of becoming an artist are impeded by her oppressive boss and rigid social structure of the 1850s.
    Peter White, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026
  • News articles and photos of the casual picnic enamored Americans, transforming their view of the royals as rigid and aristocratic to more down-to-earth.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Moon moves through your 1st House of Identity, bringing focus back to what’s true for you.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • While that’s still true, some of these rising players are feeling the pain of fickle production, too.
    Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The barren landscape, despite its harsh conditions (daytime temperatures often exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit), was—and still is—famous for its connection to many legends of treasure.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
  • Drivers may also experience smoother brake operation because the system avoids the harsh pedal pulsing commonly associated with older anti-lock braking systems.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • But the cruise company noted in its May 4 update that stringent precautionary measures are being taken, including isolation measures, hygiene protocols and medical monitoring.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 3 May 2026
  • That's all in the face of a shrinking indigenous workforce, calls to rein in immigration which the government is responding to with more stringent regulations for entrepreneurs, a potential rise in tourism, and a growing need for foreign workers to meet its 2040 growth targets.
    Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 2 May 2026
  • Through some careful engineering, Roberts, Alito, and their allies have created a trap for voting-rights cases.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • As urbanist scholar Federico Cugurullo and geography researchers Isobel Lee and Rebecca Weir found when speaking with people involved in The Line between 2022 and 2024, the project represented a strange mixture of western science fiction aesthetics and authoritarian ambitions.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 1 May 2026
  • But under the authoritarian military regime that comes to power after a coup, being a musician is dangerous, and the Aguirres’ band, Río Babel, becomes an accidental voice of rebellion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Strict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strict. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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