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Synonym Chooser

How is the word strict distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of strict are rigid, rigorous, and stringent. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

When could rigid be used to replace strict?

The synonyms rigid and strict are sometimes interchangeable, but rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

When would rigorous be a good substitute for strict?

The words rigorous and strict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

When is it sensible to use stringent instead of strict?

Although the words stringent and strict 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 strict Uber and Lyft allow drivers to use their personal vehicles, unlike Waymo — and the state’s stricter demands on autonomous vehicles have tripped up some companies. Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025 Plus Robinson will face a strict minutes restriction after his second surgery to the same ankle, though Thibodeau was uncertain of how many minutes his center would be limited to when asked ahead of tipoff against the 76ers on Wednesday. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 28 Feb. 2025 The state, through the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), mandates that health care facilities meet strict seismic safety standards. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025 Congress can revise eligibility for welfare benefits and impose stricter time limits, alleviating the cost to taxpayers and reducing incentives to enter the country illegally. Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strict
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
  • Enhanced Decision Making Centralized content management enhances decision making by giving employees access to accurate, up-to-date information far quicker.
    Daniel Fallmann, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • All in all, even a moderate approach was like 12-hours of rigorous cardio.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Every mortgage article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of mortgage products.
    Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This creates a culture where continuous learning—not rigid certainty—becomes the norm.
    Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Following the successful Maidan Revolution, one way Ukrainian chefs and customers expressed themselves was freeing their palates of rigid culinary bonds.
    Tim Mak, Bon Appétit, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • And even if that stuff weren’t true, there are already plenty of budget-friendly retailers who serve the consumer audience that wants that look, like Zara, COS, H&M, and literally countless others.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 4 Mar. 2025
  • If the aim of the executioners is not true, death could take even longer.
    CBS News, CBS News, 4 Mar. 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
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
  • There’s potential for clarity in resolving any lingering tension, but also be careful not to speak too rashly.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
  • In comments at the Morgan Stanley media conference, the Fox CEO was again extremely careful to stress that the goal is not to cannibalize linear television and Fox will not advertise it on linear television but is meant purely to capture those who cut the cord or have never subscribed to cable.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Fragile post-conflict governments often struggle to maintain popular support, and without a strong commitment to justice and accountability, there is a real risk that authoritarian tendencies will resurface.
    PATRICK VINCK, Foreign Affairs, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The futuristic worlds that she’s created reflect that, from the dark and dismal cityscapes to the authoritarian prisoner ships run entirely by soulless robots.
    Kyle Wilson, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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