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

Blackstone’s ultimate priority is to create value for its investors, and the firm’s commitment to not only driving adoption of skills-first practices, but also proving their ROI through rigorous measurement, is a powerful signal of their growing value to business. —Elyse Rosenblum, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024

Students wanting to graduate with rigorous coursework worthy of Ivy League acceptance should find that in AF schools. —Madeleine Parrish, The Arizona Republic, 2 Oct. 2024

Two decades of rigorous preparation to play a horror mastermind. —Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2024

Every car insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products. —Liz Knueven, CNBC, 30 Sep. 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