1
as in strict
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards
rigid enforcement of drug laws
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tough
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a rigid man who cannot seem to relax
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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
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4
as in stiff
incapable of or highly resistant to bending
corsets, those rigid undergarments for women, must have been murder to wear
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rigid
The phenomenon, known as granular jamming, has long fascinated physicists who study how materials like sand and coffee grounds can switch from flowing freely to becoming rigid under pressure.
—
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
That the most rigid systems can give rise to the most fluid leaders—if they are taught to think paradoxically, shift mindsets, and build community through contact.
—Big Think, 27 Oct. 2025
Unlike some other recent reunion tours with rigid setlists, the band’s shows will differ from night to night.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2025
Even though one model is rigid and the other is bendy, both showed similar trends in how water changes with pressure, and those trends matched what experiments found.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigid
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
That the most rigid systems can give rise to the most fluid leaders—if they are taught to think paradoxically, shift mindsets, and build community through contact.
—Big Think, 27 Oct. 2025
Unlike some other recent reunion tours with rigid setlists, the band’s shows will differ from night to night.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2025
Even though one model is rigid and the other is bendy, both showed similar trends in how water changes with pressure, and those trends matched what experiments found.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigid
Adjective
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Many residents favor stricter enforcement of immigration rules but have qualms about the current process.—
Tyler Kingkade,
NBC news,
31 Oct. 2025
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Ben Mead, managing director of Hohenstein Americas, the largest provider of testing for Oeko-Tex, says some limitations are so strict that even contamination on the machinery from previous runs can show up in testing.—
Sophie Benson,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Whether or not Takaichi's administration is as tough on immigration issues as her campaign rhetoric suggests, some observers warn that failing to actively invest in and integrate foreign nationals into society will have lasting harm on Asia’s second-largest economy.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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Without a consolidation of that vote in the final stretch, Mamdani appears tough to beat.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Developed by scientists at TU Delft, the algorithm can help perform tasks at hard-to-reach infrastructure, like offshore wind turbines.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Nov. 2025
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Creatures crawling out of gunk, their legs extending, their toe-webs rescinding, amoebic eyes getting harder.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The company behind the iconic Roomba robotic vacuum has been watching its stock progressively slide since 2021 as its early success was overrun by stiff competition from Chinese rivals Anker, Ecovacs, and Roborock.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
28 Oct. 2025
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However, the Tigers will face stiff competition to land an elite coach, with Penn State and Florida already searching for a new head coach.—
Jordan Sigler,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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There’s something rare about Swain, who is a young brainiac, but one who has built his business the old-fashioned, pre-quant-trading and Excel models Wall Street way, via charm offensives that weave webs of tight relationships few rivals can match.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
1 Nov. 2025
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Money was tight, especially when Smith’s father, who worked as a machinist after returning from World War II, was on strike.—
Amy Weiss-Meyer,
The Atlantic,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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All in all, even a moderate approach was like 12-hours of rigorous cardio.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
2 Nov. 2025
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His label pioneered the industry’s intensive training system, recruiting performers as young as elementary school age and putting them through years of rigorous preparation.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, the country moves into an authoritarian state and Josh's family faces the ramifications.—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
31 Oct. 2025
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But any agreement reached will be just one touchstone in a thorny and volatile great power rivalry between the world’s superpower democracy and an authoritarian China, whose growing military assertiveness under Xi in the East and South China Seas is rattling US allies in the region.—
Betsy Klein,
CNN Money,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Scott Parker’s team possess all of the qualities that Vincent Kompany’s side lacked — a solid defensive foundation, togetherness, fighting spirit, and valuable top-flight experience led by example from defender Kyle Walker and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
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Certain closet staples are well worth investing in, but finding comparable styles at a more affordable price point can make building a solid seasonal wardrobe more realistic.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigid. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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