Entry Word: rigid

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards <rigid enforcement of drug laws>

Synonyms exacting, inflexible, rigorous, strict, stringent, uncompromising

Related Words close, conscientious, scrupulous, undeviating; adamant, adamantine, determined, dogged, firm, relentless, resolved, single-minded, steadfast, stubborn, tenacious, unbending, unflinching; immovable, implacable, unrelenting, unyielding; austere, demanding, flinty, grim, hard, hardened, hardhearted, harsh, ironbound, severe, stern, tough

Near Antonyms acquiescent, compliant, compromising, pliable, pliant, relenting, yielding; easy, easygoing, gentle, indulgent, kindly, lenient, merciful, mild, pampering, soft, spoiling, tolerant

Antonyms flexible, lax, loose, relaxed

2 given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint <a rigid man who cannot seem to relax> — see severe 1
3 having a consistency that does not easily yield to pressure <rigid steel bars that should be able to hold the weight> — see firm 2
4 incapable of or highly resistant to bending <corsets, those rigid undergarments for women, must have been murder to wear> — see stiff 1
5 sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion <a rigid mother who never yielded to pleading> — see obstinate
6 stretched with little or no give <make sure that the clothesline is rigid so that the longer garments donʼt drag on the ground> — see taut