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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rigorous
Since these helmets are aimed at riders spending long hours touring on tarmac, Cardo has paid special attention to airflow and stability, thanks to rigorous wind tunnel testing and a precision ventilation system that minimizes fatigue and maintains visibility in all weather conditions.
—
New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2025
So Zuriguel decided to take a more rigorous approach to the problem.
—Ari Daniel, NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
The direction, authentic and rigorous in every aspect, invites us into a private world that dialogues with the past, present, and future, creating a non-time constructed with great mastery and sensitivity.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Glass Block of the Past Glass block first debuted in the early 1900s, primarily in Europe, initially for use in warehouses and factories—spaces that needed materials that could withstand rigorous conditions while still allowing in natural light.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2025
So Zuriguel decided to take a more rigorous approach to the problem.
—Ari Daniel, NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
The direction, authentic and rigorous in every aspect, invites us into a private world that dialogues with the past, present, and future, creating a non-time constructed with great mastery and sensitivity.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Glass Block of the Past Glass block first debuted in the early 1900s, primarily in Europe, initially for use in warehouses and factories—spaces that needed materials that could withstand rigorous conditions while still allowing in natural light.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
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Many residents favor stricter enforcement of immigration rules but have qualms about the current process.—
Tyler Kingkade,
NBC news,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Ben Mead, managing director of Hohenstein Americas, the largest provider of testing for Oeko-Tex, says some limitations are so strict that even contamination on the machinery from previous runs can show up in testing.—
Sophie Benson,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Having people with a variety of backgrounds work together on a project ups the likelihood that our interpretations are accurate.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
28 Oct. 2025
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The scale includes enhanced production design, period-accurate wardrobe and large-scale action set pieces — a significant leap for vertical content.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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And in 2019, an Indonesian court ordered the country to establish more stringent national and regional air quality standards in response to a citizen lawsuit.—
Angelica Ang,
Fortune,
27 Oct. 2025
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The incident not only exposed serious concerns about pilot mental health but also highlighted the stringent regulations surrounding it.—
Maddie Garfinkle,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Cue, Helm’s first rejection, abandonment, difficult emotions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
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This character was actually quite difficult for me.—
Gavin J Blair,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Whether or not Takaichi's administration is as tough on immigration issues as her campaign rhetoric suggests, some observers warn that failing to actively invest in and integrate foreign nationals into society will have lasting harm on Asia’s second-largest economy.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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Without a consolidation of that vote in the final stretch, Mamdani appears tough to beat.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Slow solvent evaporation causes particle clumping and pore collapse, weakening the precise structures required for efficient energy storage.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Oct. 2025
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For the creation of wonderful characters and a story that feels spontaneous yet precise in its depiction of power, its moral dilemmas, and the absurd contradictions with the human condition.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Even at the show itself, some onlookers had found Lantink’s first non-couture collection from the house for a decade or so too challenging for their sensibilities to compute.—
Luke Leitch,
Vogue,
28 Oct. 2025
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While its not uncommon for companies to establish new garment factories, new mills are more challenging.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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According to the woman, her parents’ reasoning for denying her requests was rooted in a harsh lesson about independence.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
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Instead of buying special cleaners or reaching for harsh chemicals to clean around your home, look to your medicine cabinet for a solution.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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