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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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
Was approved using outdated standards: Diphenhydramine was approved nearly 80 years ago, before the FDA required rigorous safety trials.
—
Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Aug. 2025
The school will also feature the rigorous Cambridge program, affiliated with Cambridge University, as well as programs in culinary, robotics, aeronautics and arts.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 10 Aug. 2025
Applicants for Global Entry undergo rigorous and recurring screening by U.S. authorities, including an in-person interview with a CBP officer before initial enrollment.
—Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2025
Together, this campus will complement Vanderbilt’s operations in Nashville and serve as a powerful model that blends rigorous academics with real-world impact, directly connecting with our city’s emerging and thriving business sectors.
—Erik Bottcher, New York Daily News, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Aug. 2025
The school will also feature the rigorous Cambridge program, affiliated with Cambridge University, as well as programs in culinary, robotics, aeronautics and arts.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 10 Aug. 2025
Applicants for Global Entry undergo rigorous and recurring screening by U.S. authorities, including an in-person interview with a CBP officer before initial enrollment.
—Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2025
Together, this campus will complement Vanderbilt’s operations in Nashville and serve as a powerful model that blends rigorous academics with real-world impact, directly connecting with our city’s emerging and thriving business sectors.
—Erik Bottcher, New York Daily News, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
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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Although House rules allow members of Congress to provide gifts to other members, there is strict guidance on the appearance of impropriety and required disclosures.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
23 Aug. 2025
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What follows is an overview of more accurate sources of knowledge about admission.—
Brennan Barnard,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The board had balked at insurance lobbyists and fire officials’ demand for stringent protections while the governor’s office worried about the cost to homeowners, according to documents obtained by Bloomberg Green in a public records request.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
12 Aug. 2025
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Every participant met or surpassed the American Diabetes Association’s stringent targets for glycemic control.—
William A. Haseltine,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Palace’s recruitment strategy depends on selling players, however difficult such deals are to stomach.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
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The Chamber said the cancellation was a difficult decision but ultimately the best course of action.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Sanctions have roiled Russia's economy and Trump could use tougher measures as leverage over Putin, said Richard Portes, professor of economics at London Business School.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
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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However, the company did not provide USA TODAY with a more precise timeframe.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
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But some experts say the clarification bills don’t offer doctors much security, because some obstetric emergencies may not meet the laws’ precise legal language.—
Olga Khazan,
The Atlantic,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Taking the most challenging courses available — like AP, IB, honors, or dual enrollment classes — signals preparedness for college-level work.—
Liz Doe Stone,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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Because of this consistent advocacy, the Mayor selected me to help lead efforts to move Council forward through this challenging time.—
Nick Sullivan,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The report didn’t elaborate on that treatment but studies and surveys have previously highlighted the military’s notoriously harsh conditions.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
15 Aug. 2025
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After weeks of acrimony, concern and harsh statements, the dispute over who will control the River Forest Civic Center building at 8020 W. Madison seems to be headed toward a resolution.—
Bob Skolnik,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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