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
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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
It was built on rigorous reporting and meticulously observed details, and, through its quiet, almost affectless voice, the reader became another eyewitness.
—
Jane Mayer, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2025
The microscopic and mesoscopic scales fell under a single rigorous mathematical framework.
—Leila Sloman, Wired News, 3 Aug. 2025
Briogeo’s scalp brush—my go-to for a rigorous in lather without tangling my thicker, wavy hair.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 30 July 2025
For this, Ford is applying a rigorous design and testing program, along with all the lean manufacturing processes Currie's implemented, to the vehicle launch.
—Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Jane Mayer, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2025
The microscopic and mesoscopic scales fell under a single rigorous mathematical framework.
—Leila Sloman, Wired News, 3 Aug. 2025
Briogeo’s scalp brush—my go-to for a rigorous in lather without tangling my thicker, wavy hair.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 30 July 2025
For this, Ford is applying a rigorous design and testing program, along with all the lean manufacturing processes Currie's implemented, to the vehicle launch.
—Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
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If courts agree, retail brands, especially those with global supply chains, could face delays, legal pushback, or stricter oversight.—
Scott Kelly,
Sourcing Journal,
4 Aug. 2025
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Advertisement In June, Vermont passed two of the strictest laws in the nation regulating children's access to technology.—
Charlotte Alter,
Time,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Call your insurance company and verify that the estimate is accurate to your policy.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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The analysts' predictions were not entirely accurate, the brand said.—
Liam Rappleye,
Freep.com,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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Will a future administration impose even more stringent regulations, thereby harming firms that decided to ditch their climate work?—
Justin Worland,
Time,
1 Aug. 2025
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Newer vehicles, designed and manufactured under more stringent emissions standards, are more likely to have properly functioning emission control systems.—
Quinn Clark,
jsonline.com,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Some students may face family challenges that affect their ability to get to school, and some changes to the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test, such as its move to online instead of paper form, could be difficult for students who only access computers at school, Maldonado said.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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Diseases that are difficult to manage without early intervention, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer, place a significant burden on health care budgets and patient quality of life.—
Kim Praitano,
Sun Sentinel,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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Lamont, who had proposed boosting special education aid by $40 million — but not until July 2026 — countered that the state budget already was on pace to exceed the budget cap and that legislators needed to make tough choices and trim spending.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
2 Aug. 2025
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Linde on Friday reported better-than-expected quarterly results Thursday, showcasing what the industrial gas giant does best when times get tough.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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His precise motive in the shooting is still unclear.—
Christina Coulter,
People.com,
29 July 2025
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Kitchen measuring tools aren't as precise and can lead to taking too much or too little.2 2.—
Karen Berger,
Verywell Health,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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Students who have a plan can better anticipate what to expect and manage their time and energy, even during the challenging moments. Don’t have a strategy?—
Micki Meyer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Aug. 2025
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In life and the garden: Try to be tolerant, don’t demand perfection and figure out how to improve challenging, tough situations.—
Rita Perwich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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As the moon moves through Sagittarius, a harsh reality disturbs your inner peace.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
3 Aug. 2025
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Unlike harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive scrubbers like steel wool, salt effectively tackles grime while remaining safe for both wood and plastic cutting board surfaces.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
3 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
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