1
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a rigorous football coach who pushes his players to their physical and mental limits
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy
a rigorous analysis of the data
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stringent
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards
a rigorous diet and exercise regimen
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
studied for umpteen months for the rigorous exam
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rigorous
Among some features are sneaker uppers— a highly flexible, durable mesh that provides exceptional airflow and support during the most rigorous workouts — from the premium Japanese supplier Clarino.
—
Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025
Those poor scientists – their federal funding has been taken away, their research programs scrapped, and their rigorous scientific findings ignored in favor of one man’s irrational, uninformed opinion.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
These volunteers are hand-picked, thoroughly vetted, and must commit to a rigorous training schedule.
—Laura Carno, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025
The group stressed that autism is a lifelong, complex condition with no single cause or cure, and that premature claims about acetaminophen or leucovorin ignore decades of rigorous research and risk creating false hope and harm.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025
Those poor scientists – their federal funding has been taken away, their research programs scrapped, and their rigorous scientific findings ignored in favor of one man’s irrational, uninformed opinion.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
These volunteers are hand-picked, thoroughly vetted, and must commit to a rigorous training schedule.
—Laura Carno, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025
The group stressed that autism is a lifelong, complex condition with no single cause or cure, and that premature claims about acetaminophen or leucovorin ignore decades of rigorous research and risk creating false hope and harm.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
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Cinema sometimes has to know how to give in to a cause, but another thing entirely is to impoverish cinema by attributing to documentary cinema a mere and strict role of denunciation.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
25 Sep. 2025
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The group’s operating profit jumped 40 percent in the third quarter, chalked up to an improved customer offering, strict cost controls and better gross margins, against a smaller store footprint and relatively flat sales growth.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The Master 4’s sensor remains unchanged, still providing smooth and accurate tracking on virtually any surface, with a maximum DPI of 8,000.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
30 Sep. 2025
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On a team that has allowed the league’s most sacks, McCarthy must learn from QBs like Aaron Rodgers, still the league’s fastest passer and one of its most accurate.—
Jacob Robinson,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The governor, a longtime ally of Big Tech, has been reticent to adopt stringent oversight.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
25 Sep. 2025
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Tested under stringent conditions, the new material endured more than 90,000 operating cycles, which is the equivalent of 25,000 hours of continuous truck operation, while still outperforming current DOE targets.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Abrego Garcia’s lawyers have argued that travel to Moshannon is far more difficult for members of the defense team based in Nashville, and not easier for those in New York.—
Christine Valora,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Sep. 2025
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Senator Collins has proven in the past to be able to win in very difficult environments, 2008 being an example of that.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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An editor approached me with a tough assignment of tasting, evaluating and reviewing a chicken Caesar wrap.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
27 Sep. 2025
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The news that Aleksander Barkov will all but assuredly miss all of the 2025-26 season after undergoing surgery on Friday to repair the ACL and MCL in right knee was tough for the Florida Panthers to hear.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Flying a drone toward a bear can be more effective and precise than other methods, such as shooting rubber bullets, and there is less risk of injury to both bears and humans.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
25 Sep. 2025
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From the precise parts of cornrows to the full embrace of an afro, each style tells a story shaped by family, culture, and resilience.—
Essence,
Essence,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The big story Immigration anxieties and a challenging job market have sparked an online backlash over China's latest attempt at attracting global talent — a new visa program announced in August.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
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His expertise could greatly benefit Ott, ahead of what is destined to be a challenging year in Phoenix.—
Alex Kirschenbaum,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The National Nuclear Security Administration funds the sensors, which undergo rigorous shock, vibration, thermal vacuum, and prompt X-ray testing to survive launch and the harsh space environment.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
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Additionally, try not to use any harsh cleaners or a really abrasive solution that may damage the surface.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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