rigorous

adjective

rig·​or·​ous ˈri-g(ə-)rəs 

1

: manifesting, exercising, or favoring rigor : very strict

2

a

: marked by extremes of temperature or climate

b

: harsh, severe

3

: scrupulously accurate : precise

rigorously adverb

rigorousness noun

Synonyms

• austere
• authoritarian
• flinty
• hard
• harsh
• heavy-handed
• ramrod
• rigid
• severe
• stern
• strict
• tough

Choose the Right Synonym for rigorous

rigid, rigorous, strict, stringent mean extremely severe or stern.

rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.

stringent standards of admission

Examples of rigorous in a Sentence

rigorous enforcement of the rules

a rigorous course of study

We subjected the data to a rigorous analysis.

Recent Examples on the Web

As the Summer Olympics inch closer, Douglas has partnered with Dr. Scholl’s to share the products and rituals that keep her skin in tip-top shape during rigorous training. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 17 Apr. 2024

There’s no Good Housekeeping seal for A.I. chatbots, and few independent groups are putting these tools through their paces in a rigorous way. —Kevin Roose, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

rigorous

adjective

rig·​or·​ous ˈrig-(ə-)rəs 

1

: very strict

2

: marked by great differences of temperature or climate

3

: very accurate

rigorously adverb

rigorousness noun