Synonyms of rigid

rigid

adjective

ˈri-jəd 

1

as in strict

not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards

rigid enforcement of drug laws

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strict
• rigorous
• inflexible
• stringent
• uncompromising
• exacting
• hard-line
• steadfast
• cast-iron
• adamant
• conscientious
• meticulous
• stubborn
• unbending
• relentless
• punctilious
• brassbound
• undeviating
• scrupulous
• exact
• tough
• close
• tenacious
• unflinching
• painstaking
• unyielding
• immovable
• adamantine
• harsh
• fussy
• implacable
• determined
• stern
• resolved
• firm
• hardened
• unrelenting
• dogged
• severe
• austere
• single-minded
• hard
• unsparing
• demanding
• grim
• flinty
• unappeasable
• ironbound
• hard-hearted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flexible
• loose
• lax
• relaxed
• slack
• compliant
• pliable
• pliant
• easy
• soft
• acquiescent
• gentle
• mild
• yielding
• lenient
• tolerant
• indulgent
• merciful
• easygoing
• kindly
• compromising
• negligent
• sloppy
• slovenly
• slipshod
• neglectful
• relenting
• remiss
• spoiling
• pampering
• unfussy

2

as in tough

given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint

a rigid man who cannot seem to relax

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strict
• tough
• authoritarian
• harsh
• rigorous
• stern
• hard
• hardened
• severe
• relentless
• austere
• merciless
• gruff
• flinty
• steadfast
• ramrod
• demanding
• heavy-handed
• stiff
• inflexible
• unbending
• adamant
• unforgiving
• unyielding
• uncompromising
• exacting
• immovable
• pitiless
• implacable
• ossified
• hard-line
• callous
• ascetic
• unrelenting
• determined
• adamantine
• bullying
• dour
• uncharitable
• monastic
• monkish
• unsparing
• unflinching
• obstinate
• intractable
• firm
• hard-hearted
• rock-ribbed
• resolved
• dogged
• single-minded
• browbeating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gentle
• lax
• easy
• lenient
• tolerant
• indulgent
• soft
• forbearing
• mild
• easygoing
• patient
• kind
• charitable
• undemanding
• merciful
• accepting
• flexible
• clement
• responsive
• willing
• yielding
• compliant
• laid-back
• pliable
• agreeable
• amenable
• softhearted
• pliant
• acquiescent
• compromising
• complaisant

3

as in hard

having a consistency that does not easily yield to pressure

rigid steel bars that should be able to hold the weight

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hard
• stiff
• solid
• compact
• thick
• compressed
• unyielding
• heavy
• dense
• firm
• stiffened
• sturdy
• compacted
• hardened
• inflexible
• unbending
• tempered
• indurated
• inelastic
• condensed
• thickset
• close
• substantial
• adamantine
• case-hardened
• impermeable
• impenetrable
• ramrod
• rocklike
• nonporous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• soft
• thin
• flexible
• loose
• spongy
• flabby
• elastic
• malleable
• pliable
• scattered
• pliant
• floppy
• supple
• squishy
• slack
• limp
• light
• flaccid
• porous
• squashy
• bendable
• permeable
• droopy
• airy
• lank
• ultrasoft

4

as in stiff

incapable of or highly resistant to bending

corsets, those rigid undergarments for women, must have been murder to wear

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stiff
• stiffened
• solid
• inflexible
• brittle
• unyielding
• strong
• dense
• hard
• compact
• sound
• crisp
• inelastic
• substantial
• firm
• rheumatic
• arthritic
• nonelastic
• nonmalleable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flexible
• pliable
• floppy
• elastic
• pliant
• supple
• workable
• resilient
• yielding
• plastic
• stretchy
• malleable
• springy
• soft
• flaccid
• semiflexible
• flabby
• mushy
• squishy
• droopy
• limp
• squashy
• lithe
• limber
• willowy
• lank
• lissome
• lithesome
• semisoft

5

as in tight

stretched with little or no give

make sure that the clothesline is rigid so that the longer garments don't drag on the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tight
• taut
• tightened
• tense
• stiff
• inflexible
• unyielding
• firm
• unrelaxed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loose
• lax
• slack
• floppy
• hanging
• flexible
• limp
• flaccid
• relaxed
• elastic
• sagging
• loosened
• yielding
• resilient
• lank
• droopy
• pliant
• supple
• springy
• slackened
• drooping
• stretchy

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

Recent Examples of rigid

But the gift of this lunation is learning how to stay committed without becoming rigid. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 25 Jan. 2026

The law was never intended to punish disaster victims, and rigid interpretations that ignore real-world rebuilding requirements undermine both equity and public trust. —Jeffrey Prang, Daily News, 23 Jan. 2026

While Burj Al Arab is all rigid lines and uncompromising verticality, Marsa Al Arab is feminine, sinuous, and full of surprises. —Selina Denman, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2026

According to Bush, rigid life plans can actually do more harm than good. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026