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
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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
This announcement marks a significant milestone, making the Natrium project the first-ever advanced commercial nuclear power plant in the country to successfully complete this rigorous environmental review process.
—
Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
But experts in counting war dead told me that the ministry’s accounting has been unusually rigorous.
—Lydia Polgreen, Mercury News, 25 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
Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
But experts in counting war dead told me that the ministry’s accounting has been unusually rigorous.
—Lydia Polgreen, Mercury News, 25 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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Those strict security measures slowed down traffic and travelers and likely would not be welcome again.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
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Loosening restrictions Chinese work visas generally come with strict, complex requirements and allow limited stays for a small group of high-end applicants who are sponsored by employers.—
Peter Guo,
NBC news,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Many experts donated years of their time and decades of expertise to help me make these depictions as rich and accurate as possible.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Oct. 2025
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These projections have been fairly accurate over the past decade, with sportsbooks predicting the East’s total number of regular season wins within single digits six times.—
Lev Akabas,
Sportico.com,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
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
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Beachside cities such as Dana Point have struggled with hitting the right note, with voters there rejecting a more stringent initiative to clamp down on STRs.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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One of the world’s most persistent waste problems, plastics are durable and difficult to recycle.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Oct. 2025
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But grass is difficult to digest for the mammal.—
Craig Shoup,
Nashville Tennessean,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
The stalemate over funding in Washington comes at a challenging time for the more than 40 million Americans carrying education debt.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
21 Oct. 2025
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According to construction manager John Kearns, the oceans swells became too challenging, moving the barge too much for the crane to operate safely.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
21 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 29 Oct. 2025.
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