1
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a rigorous football coach who pushes his players to their physical and mental limits
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy
a rigorous analysis of the data
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stringent
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards
a rigorous diet and exercise regimen
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4
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
studied for umpteen months for the rigorous exam
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rigorous
Harvard College undergraduates, who must apply to the university and be admitted under its rigorous admission standards, are not allowed to cross-register for Harvard Extension School classes.
—
Arkansas Online, 31 May 2025
His first term efforts were subject to rigorous economic analysis that could help people understand things better this time around.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
GreenGuard Gold: An even more rigorous standard signifying that a product emits less than 220 micrograms per cubic meter in VOCs.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2025
Most published clinical studies on exosome skincare are small-scale or lack rigorous controls.
—Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Arkansas Online, 31 May 2025
His first term efforts were subject to rigorous economic analysis that could help people understand things better this time around.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
GreenGuard Gold: An even more rigorous standard signifying that a product emits less than 220 micrograms per cubic meter in VOCs.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2025
Most published clinical studies on exosome skincare are small-scale or lack rigorous controls.
—Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
-
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
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There is a strict bag policy in place at the stadium, and all restrictions will be enforced.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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Amazon Prime Video’s newest NASCAR stat incorporates tens of thousands of incoming data points in real time, using machine learning over the course of a race for more accurate outputs.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
7 June 2025
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Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Maryal Miller Carter,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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Empowering SMEs With MSPs The cyber insurance industry recognizes that SMEs often lack the resources and in-house expertise to meet stringent cybersecurity requirements.—
Ratnesh Pandey,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
-
Winner: Windows 11 Security Windows 11 has more stringent hardware security requirements.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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No matter how sweet, the little crocodile grows bigger and more difficult to care for.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
10 June 2025
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Protein powder can be difficult to digest Protein powder contains especially high concentrations of protein.—
MISAKI KAWATSU,
Vogue,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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The precise combination reproduces highly detailed and accurate sound.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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Their matte finish aligned with the gown’s soft tulle overlay, offering contrast to the precise strap placement and bold proportions.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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Now, consumer spending has been getting a little bit more challenging.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
3 June 2025
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Building wealth can be a challenging task, especially in challenging economic times.—
Anne-Lyse Ngatta,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Of the treaty’s three American signers—John Adams, John Jay and Benjamin Franklin—Franklin was said to have taken the harshest line against the loyalists.—
Greg Daugherty,
Smithsonian Magazine,
4 June 2025
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Instead of internalising every harsh comment, try reframing it as information about their inner world rather than a reflection of your worth.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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