strict

adjective

ˈstrikt How to pronounce strict (audio)
Definition of strictnext
1
as in accurate
following an original exactly not a strict translation, because a lot of the humor is in the wordplay

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rigorous
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint that piano teacher is notoriously strict, but students make great strides under her tutelage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in rigid
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards on a strict diet strict adherence to the letter of the law

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word strict distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of strict are rigid, rigorous, and stringent. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

When could rigid be used to replace strict?

The synonyms rigid and strict are sometimes interchangeable, but rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

When would rigorous be a good substitute for strict?

The words rigorous and strict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

When is it sensible to use stringent instead of strict?

Although the words stringent and strict have much in common, stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.

stringent standards of admission

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of strict Reinstating stricter wording could limit eligible roles. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 Like, my mom’s not very strict. —Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025 The ongoing heists show the North Korean government continues to exploit cryptocurrrency to generate funds for the regime, despite strict sanctions against the country. —Senior Reporter, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025 One of the issues facing any studio that picked up the project is Mann’s reputation for blowing past his budgets, hence the desire by some companies to try to set strict guardrails. —Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strict
  1. accurate
  2. rigorous
  3. rigid
  4. true
  5. harsh
  6. stringent
  7. careful
  8. authoritarian
Adjective
  • The display is bright, resulting in accurate and vibrant colors.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    — Cody Godwin, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of accurate
Adjective
  • The coins will undergo a rigorous conservation process before being given to local museums for public display, according to the company.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • During a recent appearance on Vulture’s Good One podcast, the standup recalled prepping for the rigorous audition process for a year while doing improv and working day jobs in Chicago.
    — Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of rigorous
Adjective
  • Having a very rigid mindset is not helpful’ Banna confirms that Swift’s approach to eating in 2010 aligns with intuitive eating.
    — Renée Onque, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Loewe In the Loewe show, new creative directors Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez displayed many versions of a rigid kitten-heel pump with a high vamp that made the style verge into bootie territory.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Definition of rigid
Adjective
  • It's slated to offer a commendable-if-true 330 miles (520 km) range, from a 350-kW fast-charging 122-kWh battery.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The same will be true this season, but with Turner being more mobile and versatile than Lopez, the Bucks will likely play types of defense that Portis may be more comfortable executing.
    — Eric Nehm, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Definition of true
Adjective
  • The triumphant narrative began to fray when exceedingly harsh lockdown measures could no longer contain the spread of the virus, and the staggering human cost in the name of protecting lives defied all logic.
    — Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
  • There are no easy fixes, so figuring out how to cushion the harsh impact will be the basis of negotiations with other parties in the Japanese legislature, the Diet.
    — Jeff Kingston, Time, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • Apple has never been in favor of stringent age-verification laws for its App Store.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Burgos’s members have been making noise since 2019, when tenants’-rights groups in Albany pushed Cuomo to impose stringent regulations on them.
    — Eric Lach, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025
Definition of stringent
Adjective
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Integrating such a messy light source into a silicon photonics chip required careful engineering.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • Jorgen Watne Frydens, the Nobel Committee chair, spoke broadly about the advance of authoritarian regimes in the world and retreat of democracy in the announcement.
    — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who turned 58 this week, has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering efforts to promote democratic rights in a country plagued by authoritarian rule.
    — Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Definition of authoritarian

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striating
strict
strictly
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Cite this Entry

“Strict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strict. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.

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