as in severity
the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism)
sometimes the rigidity of the headmaster's discipline was deemed excessive by even much of the faculty
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Recent Examples of rigidity
The multi-level architecture provides greater structural rigidity, tighter control of tolerances, and long-term mechanical stability.
—
Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Dec. 2025
And the folding stem adds practicality without sacrificing rigidity.
—New Atlas, 18 Dec. 2025
At first, chief writer and director Norihiro Naganuma comfortably settles back into the rhythm, and the episodic pleasures remain, like seeing how apothecary turned investigator Maomao’s unique perspective brushes up against the rigidity of the royal court.
—Kambole Campbell, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025
Contributor | Getty Images Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Moscow will take Ukrainian territory by force if Kyiv’s troops do not withdraw, signaling rigidity over a key sticking point in peace talks.
—Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigidity
Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Dec. 2025
And the folding stem adds practicality without sacrificing rigidity.
—New Atlas, 18 Dec. 2025
At first, chief writer and director Norihiro Naganuma comfortably settles back into the rhythm, and the episodic pleasures remain, like seeing how apothecary turned investigator Maomao’s unique perspective brushes up against the rigidity of the royal court.
—Kambole Campbell, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025
Contributor | Getty Images Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Moscow will take Ukrainian territory by force if Kyiv’s troops do not withdraw, signaling rigidity over a key sticking point in peace talks.
—Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigidity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigidity
severity
Noun
-
Several people were treated for injuries of varying severity, including the train driver, who died after being assisted by the first responders.—
Pau Mosquera,
CNN Money,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Kp is an index used to indicate the severity of the global magnetic disturbances in near-Earth space, NOAA said.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rigidity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigidity. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
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