1
as in strict
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards
rigid enforcement of drug laws
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tough
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a rigid man who cannot seem to relax
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Hollyhock, which can be a biennial or perennial, grows its stunning flowers on rigid, towering stems.
—
Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
The extensive list of optional excursions includes a combination sea-and-culinary adventure that sets sail from Honningsvåg aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) into the Barents Seas to check the king crab cages floating there, followed by a picnic of some of the day’s catch.
—AFAR Media, 26 June 2025
But was there a point when his rigid, uncompromising artistic integrity became torturous?
—Eamon Whalen, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025
His swift rise—from conscript to drone commander—drew strong reactions from Russian pro-war bloggers, who contrasted Ukraine's meritocratic approach with Russia's rigid military hierarchy.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigid
Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
The extensive list of optional excursions includes a combination sea-and-culinary adventure that sets sail from Honningsvåg aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) into the Barents Seas to check the king crab cages floating there, followed by a picnic of some of the day’s catch.
—AFAR Media, 26 June 2025
But was there a point when his rigid, uncompromising artistic integrity became torturous?
—Eamon Whalen, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025
His swift rise—from conscript to drone commander—drew strong reactions from Russian pro-war bloggers, who contrasted Ukraine's meritocratic approach with Russia's rigid military hierarchy.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigid
Adjective
-
Growing up in a strict Mennonite community in rural Ohio truly shaped my ethics and values.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
11 July 2025
-
That’s not the strict definition of doxxing because the post did not give Butker’s address.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
With one out, however, Ohtani was thrown at the plate trying to score from third on Pages’ chopper up the line — making an aggressive, but proper, read in a game in which the Dodgers had long before conceded that runs would be tough to come by.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 July 2025
-
The tough part is deciding between a leather sofa or a plush number made with performance fabric.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
Sandoval has received some pay bumps, including a temporary $10,000-a-year bonus for Hawaii special education teachers designed to alleviate shortages in that and other hard-to-staff areas.—
Alia Wong,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2023
-
Whether those numbers are an overstatement, or possibly an understatement, is hard to say.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
13 Feb. 2023
Adjective
-
During his outing, in which Strickland struck out one batter in a scoreless inning, the 36-year-old said the stiff sensation in his arm got worse, causing the IL stint.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 July 2025
-
An overly stiff top will not only be uncomfortable, but less likely to conform to your body in a flattering manner.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Moccamaster can hold brewing temperatures within a variance of 4 degrees Celsius and extract coffee within very tight parameters.—
Scott Gilbertson,
Wired News,
9 July 2025
-
Panda flipped this model, embedding itself directly in the grower network and building tight, regional supply chains.—
Kasi Martin,
Sourcing Journal,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
The loss of trustworthiness in the rigorous and nonpartisan work of the Task Force would devastate patients, hospital systems, and payers as misinformation creates barriers to accessing lifesaving and cost effective care.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
11 July 2025
-
The Freeform rolling carry-on was deemed the Best Overall Carry-on by Travel + Leisure after rounds of rigorous testing at our New York City lab.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Whether Trump's death quelled or accelerated authoritarian forces remains an open question.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
-
All of these factors and their contribution to alienation can foster authoritarian beliefs and individualism.—
Nathan Meyers,
The Conversation,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
But the state’s interdependence on the federal government — an economic boost in most years — leaves its economy on less solid footing as federal budget cuts loom.—
Scott Cohn,
CNBC,
10 July 2025
-
Business owners already understand the importance of creating a solid business plan from the get-go.—
Hanneke Antonelli,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigid. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share