Synonyms of rigidity

rigidity

noun

rə-ˈji-də-tē 

as in severity

the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism)

sometimes the rigidity of the headmaster's discipline was deemed excessive by even much of the faculty

Synonyms & Similar Words

• severity
• rigidness
• inflexibility
• strictness
• sternness
• hardness
• stringency
• harshness
• rigorousness
• rigor
• exactingness
• obduracy
• implacability
• callousness
• gruffness
• steadfastness
• pitilessness
• resolve
• monasticism
• firmness
• obstinacy
• stubbornness
• dourness
• hard-heartedness
• asceticism
• determination
• obdurateness
• austerity
• austereness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flexibility
• tolerance
• gentleness
• softness
• patience
• tenderness
• indulgence
• kindness
• laxness
• responsiveness
• willingness
• forbearance
• mildness
• compliance
• lenience
• pliability
• pliancy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rigidity

The International Kazoo Championship pokes a little fun at the rigidity of the main stage. — David Alm, Longreads, 1 Oct. 2026

But there is a point where confidence can quietly become certainty, and certainty can become rigidity. — Antonia Bowring, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Because different areas of the striatum correspond to different types of movement, the researchers propose that similar imbalances in other striatal circuits could potentially contribute to other forms of behavioral rigidity, as per the release. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026

The downside is its flimsy construction; the bottom section lacks the rigidity to hold its shape and gives way like a cheap folder. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 27 Sep. 2026