strict

adjective

\ ˈstrikt

Definition of strict

1a : stringent in requirement or control under strict orders

b : severe in discipline a strict teacher

2a : inflexibly maintained or adhered to strict secrecy

b : rigorously conforming to principle or a norm or condition

3 : exact, precise in the strict sense of the word

4 : of narrow erect habit of growth a strict inflorescence

5 archaic

a : tight, close also : intimate

b : narrow

Other Words from strict Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about strict

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Choose the Right Synonym for strict

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 strict in a Sentence

Her parents aren't very strict. He insists on strict adherence to the rules.

Recent Examples on the Web

National authorities in Britain, Germany, Ireland and France, meanwhile, have mounted their own probes over privacy issues and proposed stricter rules on dangerous content. — Washington Post, "Europe shows challenges for US regulators targeting Big Tech," 7 June 2019 The policy makes it a near certainty that California and 13 other states will sue the administration while continuing to enforce their own, stricter rules — in effect, splitting the United States auto market in two. — New York Times, "Automakers Tell Trump His Pollution Rules Could Mean ‘Untenable’ Instability and Lower Profits," 6 June 2019 The Bucks should be prioritizing team fit over strict positional need at their spot in the draft. — Jeremy Woo, SI.com, "Biggest Needs for All 30 Teams in the 2019 NBA Draft," 6 June 2019 Earlier this year, actor Geoffrey Rush won a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against the Telegraph, under Australia’s notoriously strict libel laws. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "Australia’s Media Raids and the Decline of Press Freedom Worldwide," 6 June 2019 Some states have even stricter laws that prohibit research on fetal tissue entirely. — Amanda Macmillan, Health.com, "Fetal Tissue Research Facts and Why It's so Controversial," 6 June 2019 The Fordham Institute, a pro-charter education advocacy group that has often pushed for stricter rules for charters, supports changing the rules. — Patrick O'donnell, cleveland.com, "Ohio charter school closure laws could be weakened," 5 June 2019 Other offices have stricter rules, where denim and flimsy tops are a no-go. — Glamour, "8 Perfect Casual-Friday Outfits to Wear All Summer Long," 30 May 2019 Could fashion help reshape a strict, conservative country that heavily relies on traditional gender norms? — Sara Radin, Teen Vogue, "Meet the Designers Showing Gender-Neutral Clothing at Russia Fashion Week," 19 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'strict.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.