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Synonym Chooser

How is the word rigorous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of rigorous are rigid, strict, and stringent. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

When can rigid be used instead of rigorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to rigorous, rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

When would strict be a good substitute for rigorous?

Although the words strict and rigorous have much in common, strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

When might stringent be a better fit than rigorous?

The synonyms stringent and rigorous are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 rigorous All caregivers go through a rigorous screening process that includes background checks, reference checks and in-depth interviews, according to Leonard. Lisa Thorn, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025 The two unions, which between them represent hundreds of thousands of New York City workers and are known to launch rigorous get-out-the-vote efforts, endorsed the mayor in the 2021 election and were seen as key to his narrow victory in that race. Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2025 Using rigorous logical frameworks and Turing-computable methods, BigGraph ensures trustworthy, adaptable outcomes that align with business needs. Jason Phillips, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025 That is thanks to many decades of rigorous bank supervision and regulation, as well as federal deposit insurance. Felix Salmon, Axios, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
  • Four years on—late in 2024 but well in advance of the Type 00’s public debut in Miami—Robb Report was invited to Gaydon to see the result under conditions of the strictest secrecy.
    Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2025
  • While seafood imports must meet strict federal safety regulations, this catfish recall underscores the challenges of monitoring international food supply chains.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But new correspondence with The Times raises questions about whether that narrative is accurate, or if Bass is withholding public records.
    Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Its night time resting heart heart rate measurement is 99.6% accurate, while its heart rate variability (the variation in time between consecutive heart beats) is 98% accurate when compared to a medical-grade electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the heart’s electrical activity.
    Korin Miller, SELF, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Consider that rolling back just one large-scale rule—Biden’s stringent tailpipe emissions standards for vehicles—could, by government estimates, save $870 billion.
    James Broughel, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Look for platforms that have stringent review processes and understand how to check for quality academic and research writing, methodological consistency, argument coherence, and correct attribution and citation.
    Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But their happy romance is soon demolished when Jenny reappears in their lives, thrusting all three into a difficult and messy journey towards true accountability and adulthood.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
  • These protein complexes are highly shape-shifting, making traditional imaging methods very difficult.
    Priyanka Naik, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This all adds up to a tough investment outlook for any business looking at Ukraine’s mineral supply.
    Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • How to Bet Timberwolves vs. Lakers Following up a game like Tuesday's would be tough for the Wolves under any circumstances, but with Edwards battling a calf injury and DiVincenzo potentially sidelined, beating the Lakers in L.A. will be that much more difficult.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition, Ukraine has relied on U.S. intelligence data for conducting some of its precise strikes on Russian troop concentrations in occupied territories.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The iterative competition has made the cars faster, the batteries lighter and more powerful, and the software more precise.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • With a very small majority, and assuming united Democratic opposition, finding House votes in support of a final budget package will be very challenging.
    Richard McGahey, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • This can be a challenging variable to track, given that there were insufficient details about the victim's mental health status in approximately 30% of incidents, Rad said.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike Western cleansers, which often rely on harsh surfactants or astringent ingredients, Korean ones maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and natural pH balance, says Cho.
    Denise Primbet, Glamour, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The 79-year-old Oscar winner embraces the challenging role of the Dutton family matriarch alongside co-star Harrison Ford, confronting everything from mountain lions to the harsh realities of frontier life.
    Holly Williams, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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