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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 But based on complaints from residents, council members asked city staff for stricter rules to prevent riding on sidewalks compared to their North Coastal neighbors, which prohibit riding on sidewalks in business districts. Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 June 2025 Young Singaporeans use social swearing to push back against authority, especially given the government’s strict rules on public language. CNN Money, 15 June 2025 This has caused concern among some on the right who want to see stricter regulations on remittances. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 No new stores that sell certain pets will be allowed to open in Manatee County and existing pet sellers and breeders will face stricter regulations under new rules passed unanimously Tuesday by county leaders. Ryan Ballogg, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for strict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strict
Adjective
  • Bottom line: Even when data show that generative AI is more accurate, patients still want to talk with a human when facing complex or life-threatening decisions.
    Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Despite the vast expansion in the number of sensors, the insurance institute’s testing found, the male THOR dummy was less accurate than the current Hybrid dummies, which also had limitations.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Adopt a zero-trust security model that emphasizes rigorous access rules and constant authentication.
    Rob Lydic, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • The next afternoon, Gomes sat in and watched Ohtani throw a rigorous bullpen session to simulate multiple innings.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • First, consider dynamic withdrawal strategies that adjust based on portfolio performance, rather than rigid rules.
    Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 21 June 2025
  • It's been 28 years since the rage virus — a virulent, bloodborne infection that sends its hosts into extreme, uncontrollable rage and states of undead decay — escaped a lab and decimated nearly all of the United Kingdom, now under rigid quarantine.
    EW.com, EW.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Brown, the top returning rusher in the league (1,173 yards as a true freshman), will be running behind an offensive line that returns only one starter.
    Manny Navarro, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • But while the South gets most of the spotlight, the true magic lies further away.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Come spring, the Ranger III carries everything from outhouses and diesel fuel for the generators to construction supplies to repair whatever damage Mother Nature did to facilities over the harsh winter.
    Diana Lambdin Meyer, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • The United States and Europe must finally sever all economic ties with Russia (e.g., nuclear partnerships) and impose harsher sanctions on Russia and secondary sanctions so that China and others face consequences for their support of the war.
    Laura Thornton, Twin Cities, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Fed subjects those banks to more stringent capital requirements in case of another financial crisis — somewhere between 1% to 4.5% on top of emergency fund requirements that all large banks must adhere to.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • However, this rapid surge goes hand in hand with the evolution of stringent compliance standards imposed by regulatory authorities to promote fairness and protect users.
    Dzmitry Lubneuski, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • While the latest inflation and jobs market reports showed that any disruption caused by tariffs has so far been minor, the Fed is clearly being careful about what could happen in the coming weeks and months.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • For most, wealth results from years of hard work, careful planning, and disciplined saving.
    Georgette Virgo, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • But he is despised by Thailand’s powerful elites, who saw his rule as corrupt, authoritarian and socially destabilizing.
    Lionel Lim, Fortune, 19 June 2025
  • Democracy organizations worldwide document how authoritarian regimes and opportunistic politicians weaponize AI to consolidate power.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strict. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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