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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rigorous
Precisely how rigorous planetary protection standards will be enforced is also something to consider.
—
Jeff Spry, Space.com, 7 Nov. 2025
The Pendleton Act stated that federal government jobs had to be rewarded based on merit and jobs would only be given through rigorous and competitive exams, per the National Archives.
—Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
If so, an environmental assessment worksheet or an even more rigorous environmental impact study could be mandated before permits could be issued.
—Peter Passi, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2025
Larger EVTOLs must undergo rigorous, multi-year testing to meet the standards set by authorities like the FAA.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Jeff Spry, Space.com, 7 Nov. 2025
The Pendleton Act stated that federal government jobs had to be rewarded based on merit and jobs would only be given through rigorous and competitive exams, per the National Archives.
—Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
If so, an environmental assessment worksheet or an even more rigorous environmental impact study could be mandated before permits could be issued.
—Peter Passi, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2025
Larger EVTOLs must undergo rigorous, multi-year testing to meet the standards set by authorities like the FAA.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
-
Senior officials said that Medicare beneficiaries seeking coverage for GLP-1 drugs for obesity would have to meet strict eligibility criteria and that these would follow Make America Healthier Again principles to address chronic disease risk factors.—
Alice Park,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
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Beyond the major races, Democrats swept state Supreme Court contests in Pennsylvania and won ballot initiatives in Colorado and Maine, where voters approved gun safety measures and rejected stricter voter ID laws.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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If accurate even only in part, such a dramatic escalation would cast doubt on the reliability of the election results and put the military at the center of the blame for the outcome.—
Peter D. Feaver,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Nov. 2025
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The median offers a more accurate view of what's happening in a market than the average sales price, which would mean taking the sum of all sales prices then dividing by the number of homes sold.—
USA TODAY Network,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
12 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The firm focuses on large money center banks and stringent bond documentation.—
Michelle Fox,
CNBC,
5 Nov. 2025
-
This is a critical development in that Newsom’s administration has imposed the most stringent fuel standards in the country — standards that demand the production of a unique blend of gasoline known as California Reformulated Gasoline.—
Will Oneill,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Jens generally chooses his words carefully, and is, what’s more, particularly reticent just after finishing a long and difficult winter delivery trip; what’s a person supposed to do with words in a blizzard anyway, up on a stormy heath and all directions lost?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
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In his first start in the wake of Beau Pribula’s significant injury, Zollers walked into a difficult situation, and his stat line reflected it.—
Maddie Hartley,
Kansas City Star,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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This loss had to be especially tough for the Jayhawks, considering a controversial holding call on KU changed the momentum of the game.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
9 Nov. 2025
-
However, their record at the Etihad makes for tough reading.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Traditionally, systems capable of producing megawatts of power lacked the fine control needed for these delicate adjustments, while ultra-precise systems could not handle the massive energy loads.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
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The cookbooks, as precise and organized as a home ec teacher’s pantry, are filled with family-favorite recipes ranging from Wild-Rice Barley Casserole to Finnish Pulla Coffee Bread.—
Molly Guthrey,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
What’s been the most challenging period for you?—
Kevin Cassidy,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Getting back in shape this year proved to be more challenging than expected.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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There's a lot of harsh words and harsh things that get said about people.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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Applying it at the base of the plant before the first frost can protect the roots from harsh cold and keep the soil from freezing.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
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