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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rigid
Adapted from Ken Kesey’s novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest follows Randle McMurphy, a rebellious gambler whose defiance of authority challenges the rigid confines of a mental institution.
—
Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 12 June 2025
Stiff, straight, black hair and beard, indicate a coarse, strong, rigid, straightforward character.
—Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
But Song refuses to stack the deck, including a comparable number of women whose rigid demands significantly narrow the market.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
Art and humor force us to break out of those rigid coordinates through laughter, critical thinking and refusing to conform, to consider the world in different ways.
—Holly Jones, Variety, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigid
Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 12 June 2025
Stiff, straight, black hair and beard, indicate a coarse, strong, rigid, straightforward character.
—Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
But Song refuses to stack the deck, including a comparable number of women whose rigid demands significantly narrow the market.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
Art and humor force us to break out of those rigid coordinates through laughter, critical thinking and refusing to conform, to consider the world in different ways.
—Holly Jones, Variety, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigid
Adjective
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At JPMorgan, an internal culture study found that fewer employees feel like their health and well-being are a corporate priority, likely triggered by the bank’s strict five-day in-office policy.—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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Strategy games require humanlike ability to think across and beyond multiple steps, deal with unpredictable responses, adapt to changing objectives and still conform to a strict rule set.—
Vinay K. Chaudhri,
Scientific American,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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However, generally speaking, insoluble fiber is commonly found in whole grains, bran, legumes, nuts, seeds, produce skins, and tough vegetables and fruits.—
Mara Santilli,
SELF,
27 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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The five-year commemoration of that day is particularly hard for Jennifer, who usually shies away from talking publicly about her loss.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2023
Adjective
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Even within the deal landscape, McCourt faces stiff competition.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
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Made from a linen and cotton blend, these napkins are soft to the touch straight out of the packaging and take no time to break in like stiffer 100% linen napkins you might be handed at a high-end restaurant.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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The timeline is tight—most growth drivers need to materialize before 2028—but the groundwork is established.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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Steer clear of harsh chemicals and tight hairstyles to prevent further hair loss.—
Health,
Health,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Adopt a zero-trust security model that emphasizes rigorous access rules and constant authentication.—
Rob Lydic,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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The next afternoon, Gomes sat in and watched Ohtani throw a rigorous bullpen session to simulate multiple innings.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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But he is despised by Thailand’s powerful elites, who saw his rule as corrupt, authoritarian and socially destabilizing.—
Lionel Lim,
Fortune,
19 June 2025
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Democracy organizations worldwide document how authoritarian regimes and opportunistic politicians weaponize AI to consolidate power.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, a couple of the Panthers’ second-year defensive backs had solid showings.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
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CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen $16 $14 Amazon $17 Ulta On the hunt for a solid drugstore SPF option?—
Brigitt Earley,
Glamour,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigid. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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