as in hardships
something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal
hard-bitten folk who survived many rigors on the way to the promised land
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Recent Examples of rigors
Generations of Huskies alumni still bemoan the rigors Auriemma put them through in college and complain that the famously tough head coach has gone soft with age.
—
Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026
Get Jensen more plate appearances and prepare him for the rigors of a full season and then some.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026
After weeks, then months of legal conflict and nonstop media coverage, all while navigating classes and the rigors of a Division I volleyball season, Slusser fell ill.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Mar. 2026
Each is fully weather-sealed, includes anti-smudge fluorine on the front glass, and is built to withstand the rigors of regular use outdoors, at wedding receptions, and in the studio.
—Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026
Bachman quit the band after the Fillmore show in May 1970, fed up with the rigors of touring, business disputes, and lifestyle clashes.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2026
Titles built on sacrifice The titles at South Oak Cliff are three that came the hard way, through sacrifice beyond the rigors of practice.
—Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
Specifically, the unique bond the three have formed represents an important and much-needed evolution in how athletes in the sport can and should approach the rigors of competitive skating.
—Alice Park, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
To help better prepare his body for the rigors of a full big league season, Mayer has made getting bigger and stronger a top priority this winter.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2026
Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026
Get Jensen more plate appearances and prepare him for the rigors of a full season and then some.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026
After weeks, then months of legal conflict and nonstop media coverage, all while navigating classes and the rigors of a Division I volleyball season, Slusser fell ill.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Mar. 2026
Each is fully weather-sealed, includes anti-smudge fluorine on the front glass, and is built to withstand the rigors of regular use outdoors, at wedding receptions, and in the studio.
—Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026
Bachman quit the band after the Fillmore show in May 1970, fed up with the rigors of touring, business disputes, and lifestyle clashes.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2026
Titles built on sacrifice The titles at South Oak Cliff are three that came the hard way, through sacrifice beyond the rigors of practice.
—Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
Specifically, the unique bond the three have formed represents an important and much-needed evolution in how athletes in the sport can and should approach the rigors of competitive skating.
—Alice Park, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
To help better prepare his body for the rigors of a full big league season, Mayer has made getting bigger and stronger a top priority this winter.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigors
Noun
-
The rapper said any hardships suffered by the deputies should be pinned on law enforcement.—
David K. Li,
NBC news,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Cubans, long accustomed to hardships, say the recent fuel shortages have left them struggling to survive and feed their families.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
So far, the Iranians have demonstrated resiliency and a capacity to endure enormous difficulties.—
Ghassan E. El-Eid,
Hartford Courant,
15 Mar. 2026
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Ice accumulations may make roads slick, while lighter snow totals will still cause travel difficulties and drifting snow as winds pick up.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rigors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigors. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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