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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy
a rigorous analysis of the data
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stringent
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards
a rigorous diet and exercise regimen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
studied for umpteen months for the rigorous exam
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rigorous
Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of financial products.
—
Brian Sloan, CNBC, 16 June 2025
Speedman has talked about the rigorous checks on the medical drama before.
—Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 13 June 2025
Through expert commentary from renowned scholars and theologians, the series explores the foundational biblical events—such as the Great Flood, the Ten Plagues, and the Garden of Eden—through theological tradition, rigorous scientific inquiry and cultural resonance.
—Leia Mendoza, Variety, 12 June 2025
Leading up to the 2026 election, the Massachusetts Democratic Party must have a rigorous debate on the direction of our party, our Commonwealth and our country, rather than a fanciful debate on issues better suited for an academic environment.
—Scott W. Lang, Boston Herald, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Brian Sloan, CNBC, 16 June 2025
Speedman has talked about the rigorous checks on the medical drama before.
—Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 13 June 2025
Through expert commentary from renowned scholars and theologians, the series explores the foundational biblical events—such as the Great Flood, the Ten Plagues, and the Garden of Eden—through theological tradition, rigorous scientific inquiry and cultural resonance.
—Leia Mendoza, Variety, 12 June 2025
Leading up to the 2026 election, the Massachusetts Democratic Party must have a rigorous debate on the direction of our party, our Commonwealth and our country, rather than a fanciful debate on issues better suited for an academic environment.
—Scott W. Lang, Boston Herald, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
But even if Trump’s characterization turns out to be accurate, the destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities may not mean the end of the Iranian nuclear threat.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
23 June 2025
-
Despite the vast expansion in the number of sensors, the insurance institute’s testing found, the male THOR dummy was less accurate than the current Hybrid dummies, which also had limitations.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
The Fed subjects those banks to more stringent capital requirements in case of another financial crisis — somewhere between 1% to 4.5% on top of emergency fund requirements that all large banks must adhere to.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
26 June 2025
-
However, this rapid surge goes hand in hand with the evolution of stringent compliance standards imposed by regulatory authorities to promote fairness and protect users.—
Dzmitry Lubneuski,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
This moderately difficult, half-mile trail through the Mission Hills Open Space, is located across from Pioneer Park.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 June 2025
-
Attorney Nicole Blank Becker, who represents R. Kelly, told Fox News Digital that jurors, just like anyone else, have a difficult time separating emotions from charges.—
Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
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
-
But such testing is often prohibitively expensive and, when dealing with historic specimens, not consistently precise.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
23 June 2025
-
Midair refueling is always a precise and skilled maneuver, but possibly even more so for B-2 pilots, Jamali said, as the refueling receptacle is located considerably behind the cockpit, limiting the pilots' visibility.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 June 2025
Adjective
-
All of these factors combine to make AI adoption incredibly challenging, expensive and time-consuming.—
Dave Friend,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
As such, piloting an FPV drone is a completely different, entirely more challenging kettle of fish than piloting a standard camera drone.—
Sam Kieldsen,
Wired News,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Come spring, the Ranger III carries everything from outhouses and diesel fuel for the generators to construction supplies to repair whatever damage Mother Nature did to facilities over the harsh winter.—
Diana Lambdin Meyer,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
-
Yet the harshest critic is often the one in the mirror.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share