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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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
The deals, resulting from a rigorous nuclear RFP process, position the tech giant as one of the most significant corporate purchasers of nuclear energy in US history.
—
Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
The journey to the screen was a rigorous eight-year process for Stewart, who first encountered the book in 2017 and immediately felt its electric current.
—Robert Lang, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2026
But even the most rigorous resolution-adopter will mess up at some point.
—Gillian Mohney, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2026
Bloomberg pursued a rigorous system of school accountability and expanded school choice in the form of both charter schools and new district schools.
—Ray Domanico, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
The journey to the screen was a rigorous eight-year process for Stewart, who first encountered the book in 2017 and immediately felt its electric current.
—Robert Lang, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2026
But even the most rigorous resolution-adopter will mess up at some point.
—Gillian Mohney, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2026
Bloomberg pursued a rigorous system of school accountability and expanded school choice in the form of both charter schools and new district schools.
—Ray Domanico, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
-
Capping those rates could backfire, resulting in significantly stricter lending standards and making credit unavailable to lower-income people or those with lower credit scores.—
Luciana Lopez,
CNN Money,
10 Jan. 2026
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Per his release, the rapper must follow strict guidelines for the next five years, such as no alcohol, drug testing, and federal supervision when opening bank accounts.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The social cost of carbon is considered a more accurate accounting of harm from climate change than other calculations used as the basis of carbon credits or carbon offsets to travelers, according to Scripps.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
15 Jan. 2026
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Without that scale, models are not accurate enough.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
While filming, the cast follow stringent guidelines that prevent them from communicating with one another when cameras are down, or even connecting with people outside of the show.—
Rebecca Aizin,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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According to Brown, after stringent authentication processes are followed, jewelry is typically polished before being listed, while handbags are professionally cleaned.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Business leaders, of course, have their own interests and shareholders to serve, but Democrats can still protect the public interest while giving CEOs a seat at the table to reach pragmatic answers to difficult questions like these.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
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Activist groups say hundreds of people have been killed, though the true toll remains difficult to verify due to the internet blackout and tight state controls on information.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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After a rocky two years, the luxury industry is expected to carry its third-quarter recovery into Q4, despite some tough comparables.—
Laure Guilbault,
Vogue,
15 Jan. 2026
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That hope ended on July 3, 2025 when Michael, the charismatic tough guy actor known for his memorable roles in Kill Bill and Reservoir Dogs, died of cardiac arrest at 67 years old after a long struggle with alcoholism.—
Liz McNeil,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The robots handle precise positioning, reduce the risk of door damage, and allow vehicles to be parked closer together.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Jan. 2026
-
This process is administered in ten 10-minute sessions per day for five consecutive days, which is faster than conventional transcranial magnetic stimulation that’s also less precise.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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But advocates say this year has been the most challenging.—
Ubah Ali,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
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Purple proved to be the most challenging.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Cisco positions the same rugged networking technology used in Parkie for other harsh environments, including factories, logistics hubs, and outdoor industrial sites.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Fabrics that aren't made for harsh weather conditions, especially cotton and linen, are prone to absorbing moisture, causing mold, mildew, and water stains.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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