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

Marshall Faulk, the Hall of Fame running back and former Rams star, says he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about 18 months ago after noticing hand rigidity while golfing. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Batteries take up valuable space, add weight and rigidity, and eventually run out of charge. — New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026

Glasper said that same lack of rigidity has made their studio sessions so special. — William E. Ketchum Iii, VIBE.com, 14 Oct. 2026

In 1961, however, studies in animals revealed that clozapine acts primarily as a sedative and exerts its effects without inducing muscle rigidity, as previous antipsychotics had. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026