strict

adjective

ˈstrikt How to pronounce strict (audio)
Synonyms of strict
1
a
: stringent in requirement or control
under strict orders
b
: severe in discipline
a strict teacher
2
a
: inflexibly maintained or adhered to
strict secrecy
b
: rigorously conforming to principle or a norm or condition
3
: exact, precise
in the strict sense of the word
4
: of narrow erect habit of growth
a strict inflorescence
5
archaic
a
: tight, close
also : intimate
b
: narrow
strictly
ˈstrik(t)-lē How to pronounce strict (audio)
adverb
strictness
ˈstrik(t)-nəs How to pronounce strict (audio)
noun

Synonyms of strict

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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 strict in a Sentence

Her parents aren't very strict. He insists on strict adherence to the rules.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The audiences are more specialized than in almost any other industry, every interaction lives inside a strict regulatory environment and the stakes—real clinical decisions, real patients—are different from selling software or consumer goods. — Kamya Elawadhi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Today, be patient with family members, especially parents and older relatives, because people are in a stern, strict and grumpy mood. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 7 July 2026 Without stricter coordination, brightness limits, debris controls, disposal rules, and international capacity planning, the next space race could damage the orbital lanes on which modern life now depends. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026 Not a whole lot, admittedly, since there was reportedly a strict no-phone policy for guests (as well as event staff and security). — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for strict

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stricte, from Latin strictus, from past participle of stringere to bind tight — more at strain

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Time Traveler
The first known use of strict was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing strict

Rhymes for strict

See All Rhymes for strict

Browse Nearby Words

strickle
strict
strict constructionist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strict. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

strict

adjective
ˈstrikt How to pronounce strict (audio)
1
: permitting no avoidance or escape
under strict orders
2
a
: kept with great care : absolute
strict secrecy
b
: carefully obeying rules or a code of conduct
3
: completely correct : exact, precise
in the strict meaning of the word
strictly
ˈstrik-(t)lē How to pronounce strict (audio)
adverb
strictness
ˈstrik(t)-nəs How to pronounce strict (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

strict

adjective
1
: characterized by narrowness : not demonstrating a broad or liberal view
strict interpretation
2
a
: firm or rigid in requirement or control
b
: severe in discipline
3
a
: inflexibly maintained or adhered to
b
: rigorously conforming to a principle or norm or condition
a strict bill of interpleader
4
: not requiring fault see also strict liability at liability sense 2b
strictly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on strict

Nglish: Translation of strict for Spanish Speakers

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