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 There is a long tradition in theatre of casting men as women who are older, stricter, meaner, fatter, louder — in other words, deviant. — Mia J. Merrill, sun-sentinel.com, "Why is a man starring in a play about legendary politician Bella Abzug?," 20 Nov. 2019 The association’s stance is far stricter than what’s been proposed in Oregon. — oregonlive, "Nicotine vape products must be banned, says country’s top medical group," 20 Nov. 2019 Trump’s ‘Buy American, Hire American’ order directed (U.S. immigration officials) to be as strict as possible. — Carolyn Said, SFChronicle.com, "White House restricts legal immigrants with fee hikes, H-1B visa denials," 17 Nov. 2019 Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, a Democratic presidential contender, questioned whether regulations were strict enough and whether Google's business plans have been subject to enough government oversight. — Robert Hackett, Fortune, "Big Tech Is Coming for Your Most Sensitive Data," 13 Nov. 2019 And that’s only the beginning of my super strict, by-the-book skincare routine. — Nicole Catanese, Marie Claire, "This Is the Dewy Skin Routine I’ll Be Using All Winter Long," 11 Nov. 2019 Dianne Bourque, an attorney at the legal firm Mintz who specializes in health law, says HIPAA, while generally strict, is also written to encourage improvements to healthcare quality. — Wired, "Google Is Slurping Up Health Data—and It Looks Totally Legal," 11 Nov. 2019 Even if the league’s uniform rules are needlessly strict, this seemed like an easily avoidable distraction. — Andrew Joseph, For The Win, "Report: NFL told Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry they couldn't play unless they changed cleats," 3 Nov. 2019 The discipline procedures for marijuana abusers are less strict than those for violations for all other drugs, but testing positive for the drug results in entrance into the league’s drug program and doesn’t result in suspension. — Tom Silverstein, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Packers pass rusher Za'Darius Smith ticketed for marijuana in car," 1 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.