Definition of rigidnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word rigid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of rigid are rigorous, strict, and stringent. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

When would rigorous be a good substitute for rigid?

The synonyms rigorous and rigid are sometimes interchangeable, but rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

When might strict be a better fit than rigid?

The words strict and rigid can be used in similar contexts, but strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

When could stringent be used to replace rigid?

Although the words stringent and rigid 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 rigid The architect replaced rigid partitions with a curtain system to separate the bedroom, which then benefited from better airflow and light. Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 20 June 2026 To that point, human history was a tale of conquest and caste and rigid hierarchies, a world where the strong dominated the weak, where power and wealth and status flowed through lineage and the many were ruled by the few. Hilary Gowins, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026 Similar deals should follow, especially in Southeast Asia, which has large, relatively young, mobile-first audiences, less rigid production infrastructure than some territories such as Japan and less competition than markets like India. Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 19 June 2026 Life in Paris taught me to be less rigid and more sensual, and back home in Connecticut, my dad was changing, too. Courtney Maum, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rigid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigid
Adjective
  • California has strict fireworks laws because of the combination of fire danger and population, Berlant said.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • In whatever role, expect Teng to be on a strict innings limit and pitch count for his next few outings at Triple-A Sugar Land.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Summer 2026 is having a tough time deciding on this season’s dominating nail trend.
    María Diez, Vogue, 26 June 2026
  • These are typically low-wage jobs that the healthcare industry writ large has had a tough time recruiting for since the pandemic.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • In the days leading up to his show, Chavarria and his team were hard at work in his make-shift studio in the 6th arrondissement.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
  • Closing a chapter, not the relationships For Sevy, the hardest part is closing this chapter with the people who made the place feel like home.
    Erin Jones, CBS News, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • In the laundry room, its acidity breaks down sweat, fabric softener, detergent, and other residue that gets trapped in your sheets, leaving them feeling stiff.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 27 June 2026
  • Tailored pants are notoriously stiff, but this pair manages to look sharp while feeling like loungewear, according to shoppers.
    Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • With life spent largely on transit, navigating tight layovers, and using their days off to jet-set across the globe, flight attendants have mastered the art of packing.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
  • Polls overall anticipate a tight race, including a June 19 survey by the news site Zeteo showing DeGette trailing Kiros 41% to 36%.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • And a rigorous screening protocol for LFS patients developed by David Malkin, a protege of Fraumeni and Li, helps detect early-stage malignancies, improving the odds of treating them and prolonging lives.
    Lawrence Ingrassia, STAT, 26 June 2026
  • According to Lacey, who helped set up the Code Four program last year, enforcing the law requires a clear grasp of ethics and a rigorous attention to detail to make sure the job is done well.
    Noah Daly June 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • China is, of course, an authoritarian state which has been criticized for maintaining a mass-surveillance system, while Brazil regained democracy in 1985 after two decades of military dictatorship.
    Harry Booth, Time, 26 June 2026
  • Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt’s 2018 book, How Democracies Die, argues that the most decisive figures in the success or failure of an authoritarian attempt are the would-be authoritarian’s ideological allies.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Affordable July 4 destinations July 4 may be a peak travel period, but travelers can still snag some solid deals for a beach vacation.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Plenty of the group stage games have gone 0-0 before players returned to the locker room, but at least solid chances have been created.
    Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigid. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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