1
as in strict
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards
rigid enforcement of drug laws
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tough
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a rigid man who cannot seem to relax
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in hard
having a consistency that does not easily yield to pressure
rigid steel bars that should be able to hold the weight
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4
as in stiff
incapable of or highly resistant to bending
corsets, those rigid undergarments for women, must have been murder to wear
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in tight
stretched with little or no give
make sure that the clothesline is rigid so that the longer garments don't drag on the ground
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rigid
Hollyhock, which can be a biennial or perennial, grows its stunning flowers on rigid, towering stems.
—
Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
The extensive list of optional excursions includes a combination sea-and-culinary adventure that sets sail from Honningsvåg aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) into the Barents Seas to check the king crab cages floating there, followed by a picnic of some of the day’s catch.
—AFAR Media, 26 June 2025
But was there a point when his rigid, uncompromising artistic integrity became torturous?
—Eamon Whalen, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025
His swift rise—from conscript to drone commander—drew strong reactions from Russian pro-war bloggers, who contrasted Ukraine's meritocratic approach with Russia's rigid military hierarchy.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigid
Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
The extensive list of optional excursions includes a combination sea-and-culinary adventure that sets sail from Honningsvåg aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) into the Barents Seas to check the king crab cages floating there, followed by a picnic of some of the day’s catch.
—AFAR Media, 26 June 2025
But was there a point when his rigid, uncompromising artistic integrity became torturous?
—Eamon Whalen, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025
His swift rise—from conscript to drone commander—drew strong reactions from Russian pro-war bloggers, who contrasted Ukraine's meritocratic approach with Russia's rigid military hierarchy.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigid
Adjective
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The train itself is powered by energy-efficient DX-class diesel-electric locomotives, and the carrier maintains strict environmental protocols, including waste minimization and recycling practices on board.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
-
Officials accomplished this by re-evaluating risk, putting strict limits on how long a person can be held in isolation and expanding behavioral health programs.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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Nor is anything that tough necessary to prevent chronic illness.—
Carolyn Rosenblatt,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Sandoval has received some pay bumps, including a temporary $10,000-a-year bonus for Hawaii special education teachers designed to alleviate shortages in that and other hard-to-staff areas.—
Alia Wong,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2023
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For extra reliability, choose a suitcase with a hard shell crafted from either polycarbonate or aluminum.—
Austa Somvichian-Clausen,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Feb. 2023
Adjective
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Perhaps most importantly, as Trump backed off from the stiffest tariffs on key U.S. partners.—
Spriha Srivastava,
CNBC,
27 June 2025
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Trump’s 90-day pause on the stiffest tariffs is set to end on July 9.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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The timeline is tight—most growth drivers need to materialize before 2028—but the groundwork is established.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
Steer clear of harsh chemicals and tight hairstyles to prevent further hair loss.—
Health,
Health,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Every checking account review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of banking products.—
Mia Taylor,
CNBC,
27 June 2025
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Experimental adoption is fine, as long as it's paired with rigorous due diligence and clearly defined outcomes.—
Stephanie Domas,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Defending institutions of higher education from increasingly authoritarian measures is an important way to safeguard not only academic freedom, but the legacy of 1776 as well.—
Time,
Time,
1 July 2025
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Even among authoritarian regimes, differences in values can limit cooperation.—
Leon Aron,
The Atlantic,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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The usually heady, efficient team struggled to make shots, take care of the ball and string together solid defensive possessions.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
28 June 2025
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But for a reporter without solid immigration status the outcome can be deportation.—
Graciela Mochkofsky,
New Yorker,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigid. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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