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
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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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
Compared with Lali, who has symmetrical posture and fluid movements, Nini is like an elderly, arthritic human—crooked, rigid, languid, tense.
—
Tao Lin, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
The wide-leg cut looks chic and put together, and in classic Levi’s fashion, is made out of quality 100% rigid cotton.
—Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 19 Aug. 2025
So the authors created a digital shuttlecock model based on the commercially available Li-Ning D8 feather shuttlecock, treating it as a smooth and rigid object but ignoring surface roughness and feather porosity as variables.
—Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 19 Aug. 2025
The switches feel snappy and responsive, and the mouse overall feels sturdy and rigid despite its light weight.
—Henri Robbins, Wired News, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigid
Tao Lin, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
The wide-leg cut looks chic and put together, and in classic Levi’s fashion, is made out of quality 100% rigid cotton.
—Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 19 Aug. 2025
So the authors created a digital shuttlecock model based on the commercially available Li-Ning D8 feather shuttlecock, treating it as a smooth and rigid object but ignoring surface roughness and feather porosity as variables.
—Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 19 Aug. 2025
The switches feel snappy and responsive, and the mouse overall feels sturdy and rigid despite its light weight.
—Henri Robbins, Wired News, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigid
Adjective
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The widespread destruction triggered stricter building codes across the state.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Aug. 2025
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In addition to broadening Opinel's appeal in jurisdictions with strict regulations on locking knives, the Opiflex mechanism is designed to streamline blade opening and closing for fast, intuitive knife use.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Extending his power over the city for longer would require approval from Congress, and that could be tough in the face of Democratic resistance.—
Lindsay Whitehurst,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Aug. 2025
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Even if increasing competition and financial obstruction have influenced summer recruitment, making this season’s challenges tougher, the confidence in Unai Emery and Villa’s football department remains unerring.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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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Die-hard Chiefs fan Paul Rudd was on the field before the game, sporting a big smile and a team jersey.—
Andrew Dalton,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2023
Adjective
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Getting into the team will remain a stiff challenge, more so if and when Jacob Ramsey arrives from Aston Villa, albeit there will be four fronts to fight on this season and therefore more games.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
15 Aug. 2025
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And with everything from the AC blasting to stiff seating, a theater doesn’t always offer an inviting ambience.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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When culture starts performing alignment instead of living it, most companies reach for fixes: tighter messaging, new values, more playbooks.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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The overall fit is on the tighter side up top, but roomy enough for walking on the bottom.—
Chaunie Brusie,
Parents,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Every member of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders program has an impressive dance background and went through the same rigorous audition process.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
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While the certification was not specifically a result of litigation, pursuing rigorous, third-party validation of AI practices is increasingly viewed as an industry best practice.—
Marc Blythe,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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And this matters now more than ever, during a time when universities are dismantling their humanities programs and being pressured into pandering to authoritarian strongmen.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Aug. 2025
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Stricter parenting styles include authoritative or authoritarian styles.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Only plan and discuss exit when backed by solid data, research, and reports.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Ward was solid in his preseason debut vs. the Bucs last week, completing 5-of-8 passes for 67 yards.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigid. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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