rigid

adjective

ˈri-jəd How to pronounce rigid (audio)
Definition of rigidnext
1
as in strict
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards rigid enforcement of drug laws

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tough
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint a rigid man who cannot seem to relax

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in hard
having a consistency that does not easily yield to pressure rigid steel bars that should be able to hold the weight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in stiff
incapable of or highly resistant to bending corsets, those rigid undergarments for women, must have been murder to wear

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in tight
stretched with little or no give make sure that the clothesline is rigid so that the longer garments don't drag on the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Since taking office last year, the president has repeatedly used rigid timelines as a central tool in his push to broker peace, or at least force movement, in some of the world’s most entrenched conflicts. —Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026 Compared to the rigid structure over at Hot, Victory Light is more free-flowing and overtly political. —Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026 Navigating rigid work schedules, complex appointment systems, and long waits at the doctor’s office offers a whole other set of issues. —Dan Amos, Time, 4 Feb. 2026 Logic without intuition can become rigid or paralyzing. —Malana Vantyler, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rigid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigid
  1. strict
  2. tough
  3. hard
  4. stiff
  5. tight
  6. rigorous
  7. authoritarian
  8. solid
Adjective
  • Freezer operations typically require specialized protective gear, shorter shifts, and strict exposure limits, all of which drive higher labor costs.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Places like Los Angeles and Oakland have high permit fees and strict zoning that often confines cans to industrial areas.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of strict
Adjective
  • Most importantly, Alvarado relishes in his role as a tough-nosed, point-of-attack defender, an area the Knicks have had trouble despite building a roster with notable defenders across all positions.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • With a durable and tough rubber sole featuring Vibram's TC5+ technology, each step offers the right amount of flex and resistance for a comfortable hiking experience.
    — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • The basic things — paying the electric bill, going to the doctor, keeping a roof over your head — get more expensive every day, while wages stay rock-bottom and jobs get harder and harder to find.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Temperatures in many parts of Texas remained below freezing for days, compounding stress on power plants, natural gas facilities, water systems and homes built for heat, not hard freezes.
    — Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of hard
Adjective
  • Xavier Worthy #1 of the Kansas City Chiefs stiff arms Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
    — Tom Chitty, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Torgashev faced stiff competition, with other skaters landing more quadruple jumps and earning more points as a result.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of stiff
Adjective
  • The massacre prompted a national reckoning about violence against women and led to tighter gun laws.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • However, despite workers’ noticeable preference for remote positions, the demands of employers and a much tighter job market suggest many may need to adjust to the new realities of the marketplace.
    — Victoria Baeza Garcia, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of tight
Adjective
  • These athletes spend their lives focusing on building physical strength through rigorous training and diets that are honed to provide the nutrients necessary to excel at their sport.
    — Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Every mortgage article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of financial products.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of rigorous
Adjective
  • In other words, diaspora activists may advocate positions that resonate with Western audiences, but find little support among those actually living under authoritarian rule.
    — Michael Paarlberg, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Trump’s steamrolling of anything, including the Constitution, that might impede his authoritarian project has made the limpness of the Democratic opposition more conspicuous.
    — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of authoritarian
Adjective
  • Next, environmentally friendly chemicals convert the rare earths from solid to liquid form, allowing selective separation.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Instead of focusing on common gases like water vapor or carbon monoxide, the scientists searched for sulfur-bearing molecules — elements that typically begin as solid grains in a young protoplanetary disk and thus suggest the planet formed through core accretion, according to the statement.
    — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of solid

Browse Nearby Words

right-wings
rigid
rigidified
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigid. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on rigid

Nglish: Translation of rigid for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

'Buck naked' or 'butt naked'?

What does 'etcetera' mean?

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?

Why Is the Letter ‘Z’ Associated With Sleeping?

The Words of the Week - Feb. 13

Why do we call it 'ides of March'?
See More

Popular

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
burrowing owl athene cunicularia tilts its head outside its burrow on marco island florida
Guess the Curious Origins of These Everyday Words Oh, that’s where that comes from…
See All