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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 Selen Baltaci, Calik’s marketing manager, said the rigid and comfort stretch fabrics are a return to traditional craftsmanship. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 Sep. 2025 And then, there was the 1935 crash of the USS Macon, a rigid airship filled with helium. A.k. Whitney, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025 But Sunday provided an example of how Payton is too rigid, making Nix do too much heavy lifting. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2025 Inside, the bag has a mesh zipper compartment with compression straps on one side and a rigid divider with organizational pockets on the other. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rigid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigid
Adjective
  • Without a strict hierarchy or single decision-maker, our process can sometimes be slow, messy, or even tiring.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • At too many colleges, leaders have been reluctant to impose strict rules or harsh penalties for chatbot use, passing the buck to professors to come up with their own policies.
    Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The backcourt duo of Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, also known as the StudBudz, are shifty, tough shot-making guards who can get hot in a hurry.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • And that’s tough on those guys.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Consider how closed captioning, originally developed for deaf and hard-of-hearing users, now benefits millions in noisy environments or when audio isn't available.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Just hard to think that’ll happen coming off the Jacksonville blowout.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The company is facing stiff opposition from dozens of California nonprofits, labor unions, and philanthropies as well as investigations from both the California and Delaware attorney generals.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
  • With the competition stiffer than ever, 26 people dropped off The Forbes 400 this year, including the cofounder and former CEO of Uber Travis Kalanick and wellness products billionaire Frank VanderSloot, both of whom saw their fortunes hold steady while others passed them by.
    Chase Peterson-Withorn, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Credit spreads are at their tightest in about 20 years, meaning there is little difference in yields between corporate bonds compared to government bonds.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The project, created under tight deadlines and with hobby-grade parts, is now on track for wider military use.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For the next six years, Kira endured a rigorous drug treatment regime and was frequently in and out of hospitals.
    Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025
  • During a break in the rigorous shooting schedule for the limited series, which also stars Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden, Partridge was able to squeeze in the trip with old college friends.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, the same institutions once intimidated by authoritarian power have declared that a former commander-in-chief conspired to revoke the 2022 election, assassinate rivals, and eventually unleash street chaos to hold on to power.
    Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Ray's father was a dissenter who was executed by the Major himself for his outspoken anti-authoritarian views, and Ray wants revenge.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • And when the second half started, Gay couldn’t turn a solid Commanders drive into three more points, banging the ball off the right goal post.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The company's portfolio includes solid rocket motors (SRMs) ranging from 2 inches to 22 inches in diameter for missiles like the Stinger, Javelin, and air-defense interceptors.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigid. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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