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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 Sam also wondered why there weren’t stricter security measures, such as bag checks before the event. Rachel Wolf , Pilar Arias, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2025 The early empire and its challenges From the beginning, the Baladro sisters establish control over their brothels, which span many cities in Mexico through strict rules and systematic exploitation of the girls who work for them. Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 10 Sep. 2025 But there are no strict requirements for how much a hospital should spend on financial aid. Megan Garnai, IndyStar, 10 Sep. 2025 Ford’s pump has long been a staple in evening lineups, but the penny-strap detail keeps its proportions strict rather than delicate. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strict
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
  • For the next six years, Kira endured a rigorous drug treatment regime and was frequently in and out of hospitals.
    Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025
  • During a break in the rigorous shooting schedule for the limited series, which also stars Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden, Partridge was able to squeeze in the trip with old college friends.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The paper identifies further causes of the continent’s growth problem as the EU’s relatively high energy prices, rigid employment regulations, and a general lack of corporate dynamism and entrepreneurship.
    Alden Abbott, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Instead, a single rigid substrate integrates everything in one strong, precise piece.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Early in the novel, Harold points out that authors are constantly looking for ways to bury their true beliefs in their text, rather than state them outright.
    Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Like many Stephen King stories, the truest horrors are the ones that exist in reality.
    James Grebey, Time, 12 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
  • But the rules of the Long Walk are harsh and the stakes could not be higher.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 13 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
  • But Eliasen is careful not to let scope creep derail initial implementations.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, the same institutions once intimidated by authoritarian power have declared that a former commander-in-chief conspired to revoke the 2022 election, assassinate rivals, and eventually unleash street chaos to hold on to power.
    Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Ray's father was a dissenter who was executed by the Major himself for his outspoken anti-authoritarian views, and Ray wants revenge.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strict. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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