RAMROD Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

ramrod

adjective

Definition of ramrod

as in strict

given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint a ramrod camp director who's been known to send kids home for a minor infraction of the rules

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 ramrod That included tutorials on how to talk to older Black people, to drop some of his ramrod military formality and to be more self-deprecating in the store. — Margaret Coker, ProPublica, 19 Jan. 2023 Nine months later, the parish's electric lines have been replaced by ramrod straight poles. — Rebecca Santana, ajc, 30 May 2021 He was beloved by the British for his no-nonsense air, his ramrod straight Navy-man's posture, and his blunt words laced with a certain old-school humor at events public and private. — Guy Martin, Forbes, 9 Apr. 2021

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ramrod

Adjective

The idea that stricter work-search requirements will lead to faster re-employment simply doesn't match the reality of modern hiring.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
They were built before 1976, when the federal government enacted stricter building codes for such homes, requiring things like safer wiring and better insulation.

— Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of strict

Adjective

Because of the heat wave's dramatic effect on everyday life, Paris became a tough place to walk around in the sunshine.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026
But Chipotle has been in a tough spot since Niccol departed in 2024, and even as Boatwright’s plan shows signs of momentum (same-store sales have begun to tick back up again), there are open questions about Chipotle’s strategic direction.

— Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

The Bulwark founder on how to build a coalition durable enough to defeat authoritarian populism.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
On the one hand, the film pays witness to all the authoritarian insanity unfolding at state houses around the country.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of authoritarian

Adjective

Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon, as well as harsh chemicals and abrasive tools, to protect the glaze.

— Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Sep. 2026
The frustration within the Democratic caucus immediately prompted some calls for harsh consequences.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of harsh

Adjective

There has been a widespread opinion that football has become too rigid and regimented in recent seasons, but Luis Enrique’s PSG are one of the few antidotes to that.

— Art de Roché, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Unlike its competitors, Hermès is a pre-haute-couture enterprise, founded before the rigid bureaucracy of French fashion was put into place, in the eighteen-sixties, with the establishment of a governing syndicate.

— Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of rigid

Adjective

To classify a new fiber, the FTC requires its makers to demonstrate that the material is fundamentally different from existing fibers, established through a rigorous regulatory review.

— Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026
Success in the exam, one of the most rigorous standardized tests in the world, allows students to study at Korea’s top universities.

— Lim Hui Jie,Miko Jang, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of rigorous

Browse Nearby Words

ramp (up)

ramrod

rams

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ramrod.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ramrod. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of ramrod

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

churlish

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 18

Popular

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes