strict

adjective

ˈstrikt 

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

ˈstrik(t)-lē 

adverb

strictness

ˈstrik(t)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• accurate
• authentic
• exact
• faithful
• precise
• right
• true
• veracious

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

According to the American College of Radiology, that act improved care through regulatory standards that resulted in strict accreditation, certification, and inspection requirements. —Pam Kohl and Bill Kiser, STAT, 12 Apr. 2024

Accomplishing this starts with a strict commitment to eating right and being willing to frequently engage in stomach-strengthening exercises. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024

In a hydroponic system, that number is strict as there’s only a certain number of slots for seed pods. —Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2024

For context, that's a stricter level than Michigan's clean drinking water standard, which sets a maximum contaminant level of 8 ppt for PFOA and 16 ppt for PFOS chemicals. —Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 10 Apr. 2024

Cannabis dispensaries cannot be subject to stricter zoning rules than those for alcohol stores under legislation awaiting the signature of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D). —Lateshia Beachum, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024

With the Olympic committee eager to lure the world’s best athletes to the Games, strict amateurism rules started to ease in the 1990s. —Victor Mather, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2024

In 2017, the foundation pushed for a strict election integrity law. —Becca Savransky, ProPublica, 9 Apr. 2024

In response to Trump’s message Monday, many Republicans jumped in the national conversation to advocate for even stricter measures. —Faith E. Pinho, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Phrases Containing strict

• in strict/strictest confidence
• in the strict/strictest sense (of the word)
• strict liability

Kids Definition

strict

adjective

ˈstrikt 

1

: permitting no avoidance or escape

under strict orders

2

a

: kept with great care : absolute

strict secrecy

b

: carefully obeying rules or a code of conduct

3

: completely correct : exact, precise

in the strict meaning of the word

strictly

ˈstrik-(t)lē 

adverb

strictness

ˈstrik(t)-nəs 

noun

Legal Definition

strict

adjective

1

: characterized by narrowness : not demonstrating a broad or liberal view

strict interpretation

2

a

: firm or rigid in requirement or control

b

: severe in discipline

3

a

: inflexibly maintained or adhered to

b

: rigorously conforming to a principle or norm or condition

a strict bill of interpleader

4

: not requiring fault see also strict liability at liability sense 2b

strictly adverb