strict

adjective \ ˈstrikt \

|Updated on: 10 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: strict in a Sentence

Definition of strict

1 a : stringent in requirement or control

under strict orders

b : severe in discipline

a strict teacher

2 a : 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

—

strictly

play \ˈstrik(t)-lē\ adverb

—

strictness

play \ˈstrik(t)-nəs\ noun

See strict defined for English-language learners

See strict defined for kids

Examples of strict in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of strict from the Web

In May, the EU began enforcing a strict new privacy law, which could end up challenging whether people freely consent to tech companies collecting their personal information.

— sam schechner, WSJ, "Tech Companies Win Reprieve as EU Parliament Delays Copyright Law," 5 July 2018
The hospital in Spain had strict visiting rules and Ryan and their mom were only allowed to be there for 90 minutes each day.

— kelsey mo, azcentral, "UA student recounts sudden paralysis during trip to Spain," 3 July 2018
Following strict advertising and communications laws, A Therapeutic Alternative could only publicize their menu featuring sale products and prices inside the dispensary, on their website and on sites for visitors 21 and older.

— julia sclafani, sacbee, "Marijuana on clearance as dispensaries sell off inventory before new rules take effect," 28 June 2018
Historically, strict voter ID laws have been used as a way to suppress voter turnout particularly among Black and other minority voters.

— kate guarino, refinery29.com, "How Do I Register To Vote In The 2018 Midterm Elections?," 26 June 2018
The state of Maine, where Mr. Papkee lives and fishes, has strict lobster laws.

— eva botkin-kowacki, The Christian Science Monitor, "For Maine lobstermen, conservation and success go hand in hand," 25 June 2018
The Look The relative acceptance of L.G.B.T.Q. people in Guinea-Bissau stands in contrast to the strict laws and social conventions in neighboring West African countries.

— New York Times, "‘I Have to Be Open’," 24 June 2018
The iPhone maker also rolled out extra privacy controls to comply with a strict new European law announced this year and has fought U.S. government efforts to access user data on its devices.

— mark gurman, Anchorage Daily News, "Apple cracks down on apps sharing information on users' friends," 12 June 2018
Conversely, DEQ can't suddenly put more strict laws in place.

— cynthia sewell, idahostatesman, "In Boise, EPA head Scott Pruitt talks pollution program, ducks ethics questions," 5 June 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of strict

Middle English stricte, from Latin strictus, from past participle of stringere to bind tight — more at strain

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 5

See Words from the same year

strict Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

STRICT Defined for English Language Learners

strict

adjective

Definition of strict for English Language Learners

—used to describe a command, rule, etc., that must be obeyed
: demanding that people obey rules or behave in a certain way
: carefully obeying the rules or principles of a religion or a particular way of life