1
as in strict
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards
rigid enforcement of drug laws
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tough
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a rigid man who cannot seem to relax
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in hard
having a consistency that does not easily yield to pressure
rigid steel bars that should be able to hold the weight
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in stiff
incapable of or highly resistant to bending
corsets, those rigid undergarments for women, must have been murder to wear
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5
as in tight
stretched with little or no give
make sure that the clothesline is rigid so that the longer garments don't drag on the ground
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rigid
The goal is to keep people safe, not to impose rigid burdens on businesses.
—
The Editors, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
Disregard the packet’s rigid instructions — boiling them for exactly two minutes risks either a limp, lifeless tangle or an unpleasantly chewy bite.
—The Learning Network, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Some of his more rigid and contrarian stances, such as his views on COVID vaccines, do not inspire confidence.
—Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 18 May 2025
This man isn’t defined by grand gestures or rigid gender scripts.
—Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigid
The Editors, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
Disregard the packet’s rigid instructions — boiling them for exactly two minutes risks either a limp, lifeless tangle or an unpleasantly chewy bite.
—The Learning Network, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Some of his more rigid and contrarian stances, such as his views on COVID vaccines, do not inspire confidence.
—Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 18 May 2025
This man isn’t defined by grand gestures or rigid gender scripts.
—Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigid
Adjective
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There is a strict bag policy in place at the stadium, and all restrictions will be enforced.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
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No new stores that sell certain pets will be allowed to open in Manatee County and existing pet sellers and breeders will face stricter regulations under new rules passed unanimously Tuesday by county leaders.—
Ryan Ballogg,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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When staring at twin suns like from much greater distances — many light-years away — astronomers have a much tougher time than young Skywalker in determining two stars from one.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
3 June 2025
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This is a time for doing the tough, often unglamorous job of making the city function for all New Yorkers.—
Scott Stringer,
New York Daily News,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Sandoval has received some pay bumps, including a temporary $10,000-a-year bonus for Hawaii special education teachers designed to alleviate shortages in that and other hard-to-staff areas.—
Alia Wong,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2023
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For extra reliability, choose a suitcase with a hard shell crafted from either polycarbonate or aluminum.—
Austa Somvichian-Clausen,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Feb. 2023
Adjective
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From my perspective as a space policy expert, these events signal problems ahead for a space agency that now faces stiff competition in space exploration from the commercial sector.—
Wendy Whitman Cobb,
The Conversation,
3 June 2025
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Recipe Tips for Homemade Butter Mints A stand mixer works best for getting the stiff dough smooth.—
Ann Taylor Pittman,
Southern Living,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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For wineries accustomed to tight quality control, the conditions are difficult to navigate.—
Rachel King,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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Baker’s tight editing really comes into play here and proves worthy of Douglas Sirk at his height.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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These days, most people delivering your forecasts are scientists with rigorous training in calculus, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, atmospheric physics and the other meteorological coursework.—
Marshall Shepherd,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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The Council for Higher Education Accreditation ensures accrediting agencies uphold rigorous standards.—
Hanna Park,
CNN Money,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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But this one rush job, HB 1205, was especially dear to the governor’s authoritarian heart.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
24 May 2025
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Panahi’s film, his first since being released from prison in 2023, is a direct assault on Iran’s authoritarian regime.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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The Eufy Life mobile app is solid, including easy at-a-glance views, long-term charts, and drill-down capabilities.—
Christopher Null,
Wired News,
4 June 2025
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Manufacturers have begun to feel the effects, but the overall job market has remained solid, with layoffs remaining relatively low, and inflation has not taken off.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigid. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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