rigorous

adjective

rig·​or·​ous ˈri-g(ə-)rəs 

1

: manifesting, exercising, or favoring rigor : very strict

2

a

: marked by extremes of temperature or climate

b

: harsh, severe

3

: scrupulously accurate : precise

rigorously adverb

rigorousness noun

Synonyms

• austere
• authoritarian
• flinty
• hard
• harsh
• heavy-handed
• ramrod
• rigid
• severe
• stern
• strict
• tough

Choose the Right Synonym for rigorous

rigid, rigorous, strict, stringent mean extremely severe or stern.

rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.

stringent standards of admission

Examples of rigorous in a Sentence

rigorous enforcement of the rules

a rigorous course of study

We subjected the data to a rigorous analysis.

Recent Examples on the Web

All in all, even a moderate approach was like 12-hours of rigorous cardio. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025

Every mortgage article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of mortgage products. —Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025

This grant expands access to our undergraduate Psychedelic Studies Minor, integrating rigorous academic inquiry with contemplative practices and studying mind-body integration. —Benjamin Adams, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the answer lies in the rigorous training routine David Gandy follows. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rigorous

• vigorous

Kids Definition

rigorous

adjective

rig·​or·​ous ˈrig-(ə-)rəs 

1

: very strict

2

: marked by great differences of temperature or climate

3

: very accurate

rigorously adverb

rigorousness noun