strict

adjective

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\ 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 Amar Sinha, the chief operating officer of liquor distributor Radico Khaitan, told Quartz: Marketing liquor in India has always been challenging because of strict advertising regulations. — Quartz India, "Amar Sinha on the jobs that will define India’s future," 11 Feb. 2020 Titan, which wanted to market the book in Germany, where laws on Nazi imagery are strict, said Amazon approved the changes. — David Streitfeld, New York Times, "In Amazon’s Bookstore, No Second Chances for the Third Reich," 9 Feb. 2020 Britain was far more strict and judicious in setting up democratic institutions—independent of Beijing—in its onetime colony of Hong Kong than Portugal was in Macau, according to analysis by New York University law professor Jerome Cohen. — Grady Mcgregor, Fortune, "‘Macau has been the good boy:’ Amid protests, China launches a long-shot campaign for a Hong Kong alternative," 20 Jan. 2020 That’s why federal ethics rules regarding favors are generally so strict, prohibiting government employees from accepting all but the most minimal gifts (even modest meals) from contractors and foreign agents. — Marcus Hedahl, The Conversation, "A Navy scandal sheds light on the nature of bribery and the limits of free speech," 17 Jan. 2020 But for health applications, the standards are stricter and have precluded the materials scientists have used to turn light into higher-energy light. — Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, "Photon-Boosted Lasers Could Carve Out Cancer Like a Scalpel," 3 Dec. 2019 South Carolina is also stricter on its barbers: their school mandates 1,500 hours. — Joseph Cranney, ProPublica, "These Judges Can Have Less Training Than Barbers but Still Decide Thousands of Cases Each Year," 27 Nov. 2019 Chemical-exposure safety standards for the public are stricter than those for workers, Morrison says, for two primary reasons. — Robin Lloyd, Scientific American, "Health Concerns Mount as More Old Sewer Pipes Are Lined with Plastic," 25 Nov. 2019 But some federal health officials say the standard should be much stricter and states like New Hampshire and Vermont have enacted very restrictive codes for PFAS drinking water pollution. — Gregory B. Hladky, courant.com, "Task force recommends statewide testing of public water systems after hazardous firefighting foam spill," 4 Nov. 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.