as in strictly
without any relaxation of standards or precision
the judge stuck rigidly to the letter of the law
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Recent Examples of rigidly
In 2001, then-President Bill Clinton brought China into the World Trade Organization to encourage a liberal turn in Beijing, but instead fast-tracked the rise of a rigidly authoritarian economic rival.
—
Andy Browne, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2025
The setlist for the reunion tour to date has been rigidly predictable, with the group performing the same 23 songs, in the same order, at all the shows to date.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2025
The Personalization System – Continuously adapting your approach based on what's working and what isn't, rather than rigidly following someone else's blueprint.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
One of de l’Horizon’s core motivations in writing this book was to find a form of genuine self-expression in a language that is rigidly gendered.
—Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2025
And then stick rigidly to the use of that passkey.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Under Parker, formations are far more literal, with his side rigidly adhering to the areas and responsibilities tied to their positions.
—Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025
Gubernatorial races are generally less rigidly partisan than federal races, and some of the most popular governors are blue-state Republicans or red-state Democrats.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Andy Browne, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2025
The setlist for the reunion tour to date has been rigidly predictable, with the group performing the same 23 songs, in the same order, at all the shows to date.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2025
The Personalization System – Continuously adapting your approach based on what's working and what isn't, rather than rigidly following someone else's blueprint.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
One of de l’Horizon’s core motivations in writing this book was to find a form of genuine self-expression in a language that is rigidly gendered.
—Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2025
And then stick rigidly to the use of that passkey.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Under Parker, formations are far more literal, with his side rigidly adhering to the areas and responsibilities tied to their positions.
—Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025
Gubernatorial races are generally less rigidly partisan than federal races, and some of the most popular governors are blue-state Republicans or red-state Democrats.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigidly
Adverb
-
Bode’s comment was strictly in reference to the character of the Wizard of Oz, who uses propaganda to manipulate and deceive his subjects in Wicked.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
7 Nov. 2025
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The glittering gastro gem shines brightly with resourceful chefs embracing a diverse array of culinary traditions, often eschewing allegiance to strictly Southern cooking.—
Nevin Martell,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Adverb
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In part, the McKinley administration standardized various press protocols and routines involved in managing the press corps—holding somewhat regular briefings, for example, and carefully timing White House announcements.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Nov. 2025
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The handsewn and carefully backstitched quilts feature colorful images of buffalo heads, turtles, eagles, angels and other patterns that come to Water in her dreams.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigidly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigidly. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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