RAMROD Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

ramrod

adjective

Definition of ramrod

as in strict

given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint a ramrod camp director who's been known to send kids home for a minor infraction of the rules

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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Recent Examples of ramrod Nine months later, the parish's electric lines have been replaced by ramrod straight poles. — Rebecca Santana, ajc, 30 May 2021 He was beloved by the British for his no-nonsense air, his ramrod straight Navy-man's posture, and his blunt words laced with a certain old-school humor at events public and private. — Guy Martin, Forbes, 9 Apr. 2021 That included tutorials on how to talk to older Black people, to drop some of his ramrod military formality and to be more self-deprecating in the store. — Margaret Coker, ProPublica, 19 Jan. 2023

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ramrod

Adjective

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

Definition of strict

Adjective

MacDonald agrees that some of Kiros' positions could put Democratic candidates in a tough spot.

— Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 2 July 2026
The 34 measures include cuts to income tax for low- and middle income families, an overhaul of the creaking pension system, tougher rules for employees' sick leave and a reduction of the country's stifling bureaucracy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

In the nation’s gravest hour, the country’s authoritarian regime has crippled an effective response, say survivors, rescue workers and former officials.

— Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 1 July 2026
Some are fleeing authoritarian regimes, war or natural disasters.

— Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

Definition of authoritarian

Adjective

White settlers and frontier pioneers built vast, fenceless cattle stations, battling harsh environments and disease, embracing a hard-living culture that exists to this day.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Dish Soap Using harsh chemicals on the outside of your toilet bowl and fixtures is not recommended, according to Meagher.

— Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026

Definition of harsh

Adjective

What this recent research on podcast discovery by Sounds Profitable / JAR Research punctuates is that the avenues of finding new podcasts aren’t formalized and rigid, but dependent on age, income, background, and lifestyle.

— Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Sometimes the eyes are the only thing that changes between spreads, a technique that is especially effective when the characters are rigid reptiles with a limited range of motion.

— Casey Cep, New Yorker, 7 July 2026

Definition of rigid

Adjective

Not long afterward, he was elected president on a platform deeply hostile to the West and its liberal ideology, and especially to the United States — threatening a hard fight in the event of war.

— Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
That’s hard to imagine of a president who uses the office to promote and prosper from his own brand name.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of hard

Adjective

Every cybersecurity article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors.

— Brian Sloan, CNBC, 3 July 2026
This improves both customer and agent experience, while still meeting rigorous business standards around accuracy, reliability, and risk management.

— Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of rigorous

Browse Nearby Words

ramp (up)

ramrod

rams

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“Ramrod.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ramrod. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of ramrod

adjective

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