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
• true
• careful
• exact
• precise
• authentic
• faithful

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

Indianapolis City-County Council Democrats on Aug. 27 rejected a Republican push to set specific fines for parents and guardians whose children violate the city's new, stricter youth curfew ordinance. —Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 28 Aug. 2025

Climate activists will lean heavily on the ICJ opinion to justify stricter enforcement of the Paris Agreement. —Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

The Evolution of Modern Farmhouse Style These days, farmhouse style is more about a feeling of comfort than a strict design aesthetic. —Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2025

In his life now is his daughter Dorotea (Anna Ferzetti), who is lobbying her father to sign the euthanasia bill, even though his strict Catholic upbringing and beliefs, as well as the Pope’s no less, are against legalizing the right to die. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for strict

• bricked
• clicked
• flicked
• kicked
• licht
• licked
• nicht
• nicked
• picked
• pricked
• richt
• slicked

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