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 Phrases Containing strict Learn More About strict

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 In a sport with strict rules, sometimes that aggressiveness can lead to suspensions. — Ashley Bastock, cleveland, 12 May 2022 Victims of the same strict Covid-19 rules that are keeping most residents homebound, many of the newly homeless are migrant laborers from rural areas and smaller cities who often live hand-to-mouth while sharing an apartment with other workers. — Karen Hao, WSJ, 10 May 2022 Lawson remained wary and laid out strict rules about when it could be used. — Washington Post, 9 May 2022 The cannabis sales trial program will follow strict rules. — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 5 May 2022 In the early days of the COVID outbreak, policymakers around the world enforced strict social distancing rules in the hopes of keeping the coronavirus somewhat contained. — Bernhard Warner, Fortune, 3 May 2022 Cities like Beverly Hills need to have strict rules and policies on when and where such technologies are deployed, with adequate public discussion, according to Hannah Zhao, a staff attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation. — Libor Janystaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2022 The treatment of a 92-year-old Shanghai woman who was sent to quarantine late at night has caused anger in China, underscoring the frustration that many are feeling under the nation’s strict Covid Zero rules. — Bloomberg.com, 20 Apr. 2022 Establishing strict rules about who can use commercial spyware is complicated by the fact that such technology is offered as a tool of diplomacy. — Ronan Farrow, The New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2022 See More

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.