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

Roughly half of our students come from outside the US and our cohorts deliver value that parallels the rigorous curriculum, which includes a second language fluency requirement in the case of our Master of Global Management. —Foreign Affairs, 9 Aug. 2024

Many surgeons insist that placing implants partially behind the muscle using the dual plane method, a procedure with rigorous supporting studies, is the gold standard in breast augmentation. —Jolene Edgar, Allure, 8 Aug. 2024

Judges for these competitions are usually drawn from people with professional credentials in the wine industry, qualifications often earned after many years of studies and rigorous exams. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2024

These jeans felt durable enough for more rigorous tasks like yardwork but also comfortable and soft enough for hanging out around the house. —L.a. Hubilla, Peoplemag, 16 Aug. 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