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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stringent
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards
a rigorous diet and exercise regimen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
studied for umpteen months for the rigorous exam
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rigorous
Warren's students were under a rigorous program, Knox said.
—
Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Through a rigorous multibarrier treatment process, the system produces drinking water that meets or exceeds all state and federal standards and is indistinguishable in quality from Aurora’s traditional mountain water supplies.
—Mike Coffman, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026
The two have a natural connection shaped by rigorous daily practice sessions.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Right now, Florida law creates a rigorous process for selling off lands that were purchased for conservation.
—Max Chesnes, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Through a rigorous multibarrier treatment process, the system produces drinking water that meets or exceeds all state and federal standards and is indistinguishable in quality from Aurora’s traditional mountain water supplies.
—Mike Coffman, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026
The two have a natural connection shaped by rigorous daily practice sessions.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Right now, Florida law creates a rigorous process for selling off lands that were purchased for conservation.
—Max Chesnes, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
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
Adjective
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Sara Moniuszko,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Federal data is fluid and frequently subject to change as more detailed and accurate information becomes available.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
As part of its analysis of the project, DEEP also determined the addition of the two new compressors would not meet the threshold for a major modification — which is subject to more stringent review — because the increase in ozone-forming pollutants would not exceed 25 tons per year.—
John Moritz,
Hartford Courant,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Successful leverage of the First Sale doctrine can significantly reduce tariff costs, though companies will need to meet the stringent conditions of the rule and provide extensive documentation of all transactions to CBP.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Training and case management through FRAP is supposed to help attorneys deal with what Clegg calls a difficult area of law.—
Raynee Howell,
Oklahoma Watch,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Will this race and the other changes create an opportunity for NASCAR to turn the page on its difficult 2025?—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
-
Using fresh data from NASA’s Juno spacecraft, researchers at Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science have produced the most precise measurements yet of the solar system’s largest planet, showing that Jupiter is slightly smaller and more flattened than earlier estimates suggested.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Advertising in the Super Bowl is usually a play for mass reach, but some marketers are using the spectacle in more precise fashion.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
There are more advanced, and challenging techniques, like slicing or chipping for more bulbs.—
Clarence Schmidt,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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This is not complicated or challenging music, and at times the chord progressions are simple enough to make one yearn for a bit more spikiness.—
Daniel Bromfield,
Pitchfork,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The energy output is designed to remain stable down to –50 degrees Celsius, supporting reliable operation in some of the harshest climates on Earth, reports InsideEVs.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Rapinchuk recommends only using non-toxic products when cleaning your refrigerator and avoiding anything with harsh chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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