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

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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 — Margaret Coker, ProPublica, 19 Jan. 2023 Nine months later, the parish's electric lines have been replaced by ramrod straight poles.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

There’s no doubt that there are wasteful contracts and bloated salaries to be cut, but not even the strictest economizing could absorb that much without serious danger to public health and safety.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2026
Democrats made high power bills, clean energy and stricter scrutiny of data center contracts the focus on their races.

— Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of strict

Adjective

The Heat now returns home, but the competition is about to get tougher.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026
Councilwoman Willis has been a tough negotiator, challenging us to work with the City of Dallas transportation department to identify and fund meaningful traffic enhancements.

— CBS News, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

Much, if not most, of the distemper was aimed at the would-be authoritarian in the White House.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
People living under authoritarian governments can still exercise power and influence through relationships, knowledge, social networks, and persuasion.

— Tanaz Eshaghian, Time, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of authoritarian

Adjective

But the rugged terrain would prove a stern test for some competitors.

— CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
The fear had to be that Stewart’s Star Trek captain, by comparison, would feel like your stern and authoritarian father had finally come home to shut down the party and tell everyone they were grounded.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of stern

Adjective

Martha Stewart is asking Americans for forgiveness after her Halloween costume drew harsh criticism.

— Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Held without charge, al-Sakani says he was subjected to harsh conditions, including sleep deprivation, inadequate medical care and the withholding of medication.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of harsh

Adjective

Unlike conventional industrial robots that rely on rigid structures and external safety barriers, AIR uses a compliant mechanical design intended to reduce the risk of injury during accidental contact.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2026
Made of large, rigid plastic panels, Hardig’s invention was designed to be weather- and insect-proof, simple to clean and maintain, and lightweight and easy to move.

— Sarah Kuta, Popular Science, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of rigid

Adjective

The Chiefs have a far more difficult remaining schedule (eighth hardest) than the Broncos do (27th), per DVOA data.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
The hardest part is often matching the format to the problem rather than simply choosing what’s most convenient.

— Karen Koehler, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of hard

Adjective

Success Academy Westland Hialeah Elementary is one of the first five schools of the nonprofit charter operator, known for its high test scores and rigorous culture, to co-locate inside Miami-Dade public schools.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026
That history demands rigorous safeguards for any outside organization working with children, including comprehensive vetting, clear boundaries, close supervision and independent accountability.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of rigorous

Browse Nearby Words

ramp (up)

ramrod

rams

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“Ramrod.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ramrod. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of ramrod

adjective

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