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Synonym Chooser

How is the word rigid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of rigid are rigorous, strict, and stringent. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

When would rigorous be a good substitute for rigid?

The synonyms rigorous and rigid are sometimes interchangeable, but rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

When might strict be a better fit than rigid?

The words strict and rigid can be used in similar contexts, but strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

When could stringent be used to replace rigid?

Although the words stringent and rigid 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 rigid Liberation Weekend’s rejection of the gender binary went hand-in-hand with its refusal to be boxed in by rigid genre labels, harnessing sonic diversity as a superpower. Grace Robins-Somerville, Pitchfork, 4 June 2025 Mature systems progress from rigid, bespoke solutions to agile solutions that evolve with business needs. Kyle Campos, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 For boys, this issue is compounded by rigid ideas about masculinity that discourage emotional and physical closeness. Ashleigh N. Deluca, Parents, 29 May 2025 The mill meets the demand for stretch fabrics with a rigid appearance with Fit Cross. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rigid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigid
Adjective
  • There is a strict bag policy in place at the stadium, and all restrictions will be enforced.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 5 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
Adjective
  • This is a time for doing the tough, often unglamorous job of making the city function for all New Yorkers.
    Scott Stringer, New York Daily News, 3 June 2025
  • When staring at twin suns like from much greater distances — many light-years away — astronomers have a much tougher time than young Skywalker in determining two stars from one.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Sandoval has received some pay bumps, including a temporary $10,000-a-year bonus for Hawaii special education teachers designed to alleviate shortages in that and other hard-to-staff areas.
    Alia Wong, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2023
  • That die-hard fan base in Phoenix got a taste of glory in 2021 when the Suns were up two games to none in the Finals on the Milwaukee Bucks before dropping the next four and ultimately losing the championship series.
    Max Olsan, The Arizona Republic, 13 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • From my perspective as a space policy expert, these events signal problems ahead for a space agency that now faces stiff competition in space exploration from the commercial sector.
    Wendy Whitman Cobb, The Conversation, 3 June 2025
  • Recipe Tips for Homemade Butter Mints A stand mixer works best for getting the stiff dough smooth.
    Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Baker’s tight editing really comes into play here and proves worthy of Douglas Sirk at his height.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 3 June 2025
  • Trump’s new team, new strategy With Leo sidelined, Trump’s judicial nominations are now being shaped by a tighter circle of aides and outside activists.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Council for Higher Education Accreditation ensures accrediting agencies uphold rigorous standards.
    Hanna Park, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
  • These days, most people delivering your forecasts are scientists with rigorous training in calculus, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, atmospheric physics and the other meteorological coursework.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • But then again, almost everything Trump does is right out of the authoritarian playbook.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2025
  • Any center of liberal and free thought from pop music to Ivy League universities is vulnerable to authoritarian impulses.
    Stephen Collinson, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Eufy Life mobile app is solid, including easy at-a-glance views, long-term charts, and drill-down capabilities.
    Christopher Null, Wired News, 4 June 2025
  • The aim is to churn out 3 million meters of fabric each month, whether natural or man-made, solid or print, knit or woven.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigid. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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