1
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a rigorous football coach who pushes his players to their physical and mental limits
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy
a rigorous analysis of the data
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stringent
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards
a rigorous diet and exercise regimen
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4
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
studied for umpteen months for the rigorous exam
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rigorous
Partnering with Parrot Analytics gives us a rigorous global view of audience demand and independent, title-level valuation to manage the portfolio with precision and continue delivering high-quality entertainment.
—
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
The honors, which were announced March 31, recognize the most compelling, rigorous and courageous environmental journalism across all media formats.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
However, without rigorous standards to ensure that the data used to train new tools reflects women’s unique biology, women’s health outcomes won’t improve.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 1 Apr. 2026
For years, women in Israel committed themselves to rigorous Torah scholarship, mastering complex halachic material and serving their communities as teachers and spiritual leaders, yet were barred from even attempting the state rabbinate exams.
—Rabba Sara Hurwitz, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
The honors, which were announced March 31, recognize the most compelling, rigorous and courageous environmental journalism across all media formats.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
However, without rigorous standards to ensure that the data used to train new tools reflects women’s unique biology, women’s health outcomes won’t improve.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 1 Apr. 2026
For years, women in Israel committed themselves to rigorous Torah scholarship, mastering complex halachic material and serving their communities as teachers and spiritual leaders, yet were barred from even attempting the state rabbinate exams.
—Rabba Sara Hurwitz, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
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Minnesota also implemented stricter regulations around those products because of the federal prohibition, such as where consumers can buy them.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
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The design process took more than five years, a negotiation between the city’s strict hydraulic requirements and the neighborhood’s shifting wishes; the result was something no one had pictured in advance.—
Eric Klinenberg,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But if online flattery is an accurate indicator, more Goodness Land would be a gift to Mediterranean food aficionados in the neighborhood.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
9 Apr. 2026
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But in 1752, the government replaced the old Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar, with a more accurate solar calendar.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Modular design also meets the stringent usage requirements of small payload satellites.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Apr. 2026
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But a northern climate, stringent building codes, and the gauntlet of public review shouldn’t exclude the immense trove of experienced professionals who have worked in big, dense cities that are more similar to than different from ours.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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There were also high-arcing 3-pointers that touched nothing but the net, a difficult runner through contact that went in, and the kind of gravity that gave Kristaps Porzingis a layup just by cutting into space while the big man dove.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
6 Apr. 2026
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Some things in life are difficult.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The judge assigned to Amin’s case was Iman Afshari, known in Tehran for his tough sentences—a reputation that led the European Union to place him on a blacklist, in January, for human-rights abuses.—
Cora Engelbrecht,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
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Two sisters in Big Bear are facing one of the toughest moments in their lives.—
Zach Boetto,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Courts, attorneys and institutions need clinicians who can translate behavioral health histories into something more precise than a diagnosis and more useful than a stereotype.—
Sonia Singh,
Rolling Stone,
2 Apr. 2026
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For the Orion module, this push is a lot more precise and requires propulsion from the module's main engine to send the astronauts on their way to the far side of the moon.—
Briana Alvarado,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Without adequate feedback, support and professional development, employees are likely to seek a more challenging environment.—
Ashton Jackson,
CNBC,
8 Apr. 2026
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Engage your brain through reading and intellectually challenging tasks.—
Rob Williams,
EverydayHealth.com,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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His team, which includes his advisor Atsushi Shirane and Masaya Miyahara of Japan’s High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), is aiming to develop a wireless system for controlling robots in this harsh environment.—
Katherine Bourzac,
IEEE Spectrum,
2 Apr. 2026
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Items that are wind-resistant and waterproof will be good for use in many harsh weather conditions in which the user would need protection.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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