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
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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
The result is a contemporary research landscape where large biopharmaceutical companies with big budgets can afford full clinical development, while most nutraceutical firms are effectively priced out of conducting rigorous clinical trials.
—
Elise Felicione, STAT, 26 Feb. 2026
While some might feel as if five-stars should be in a superior position thanks to rigorous training programs, talent retention, and overall investment, in some cases, the luxury tier comes back to haunt them.
—Jake Emen, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026
Advertisement The aging field is moving away from the hype toward a more rigorous, clinical, and impactful future that holds the possibility of growing older without losing health.
—Andrew S. Brack, Time, 26 Feb. 2026
In the 2024-25 school year, nearly 60,000 LAUSD students enrolled in an AP class, which is a rigorous, standardized, college-level course.
—Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Elise Felicione, STAT, 26 Feb. 2026
While some might feel as if five-stars should be in a superior position thanks to rigorous training programs, talent retention, and overall investment, in some cases, the luxury tier comes back to haunt them.
—Jake Emen, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026
Advertisement The aging field is moving away from the hype toward a more rigorous, clinical, and impactful future that holds the possibility of growing older without losing health.
—Andrew S. Brack, Time, 26 Feb. 2026
In the 2024-25 school year, nearly 60,000 LAUSD students enrolled in an AP class, which is a rigorous, standardized, college-level course.
—Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
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For now, the Supreme Court ruling has effectively installed a strict near-term ceiling on trade barriers, substantially neutralizing the threat of runaway tariff escalation.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Leger Fernández pointed to a strict voter identification bill, known as the SAVE America Act, that Democrats have warned would disenfranchise tens of millions of eligible voters, including women who have changed their last names after getting married.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Rick Song, Persona’s co-founder and chief executive, wrote in a statement posted to LinkedIn that Discord’s claims about Persona’s capabilities were not accurate, emphasizing that the company does offer on-device age verification.—
Kaitlyn Huamani,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Rick Song, Persona’s co-founder and CEO, wrote in a statement posted to LinkedIn that Discord’s claims about Persona’s capabilities were not accurate, emphasizing that the company does offer on-device age verification.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Broward Sheriff’s Office, like other law-enforcement agencies, has stringent rules on when its deputies can chase a vehicle, , outlining situations that allow for it, according to the agency’s policy.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
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During this ruthless era, famous women were sorted into a stringent binary.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But having dodged the traps of the social media news era, The Economist now faces looming long-term structural challenges that may be more difficult to avoid.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Frontflips are generally more difficult than backflips for both humans and robots.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Heat’s climb to get out of the play-in tournament this season just got tougher.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
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Regulation overseas may be a tougher sell.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Over time, the system has grown more precise—expanding from four seasons into 16 nuanced subcategories, allowing for a more personalized understanding of color and how palettes can subtly bridge between seasonal boundaries.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
26 Feb. 2026
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Operating from extremely short airstrips demands specialized pilot training, precise speed control, and deep understanding of aircraft performance limits.—
Karina Acharya,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Here’s a look at five of Colorado’s scariest, most challenging ski slopes.—
John Meyer,
Denver Post,
26 Feb. 2026
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Competing in the relay of this event is heroic, choosing the individual adult event is up there at the top of challenging events.—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The scene, however, of Myers skating around for warmups and enjoying some time with his family underscored the harsh realities of trade deadline season for the players — and the families — directly involved.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
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While many ground covers are resilient and can thrive in harsh growing conditions, such as areas with full sun and dry soil, environments that are overly damp and soggy can be tricky for certain ground covers.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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