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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rigors
Davison has a natural tenor singing voice eerily similar to a young Jon Anderson, fronted the Yes tribute band Roundabout, and was more than ready for the rigors of the road after playing in the groups Glass Hammer and Sky Cries Mary.
—
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2026
One flirts and drinks and dallies and dances; the other is part child, part monk, his mantel packed with icons and crucifixes, his inner landscape a kind of mental Sagrada Família — a weird and extraordinary edifice constructed around the rigors and promises of Christianity.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
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
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
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2026
One flirts and drinks and dallies and dances; the other is part child, part monk, his mantel packed with icons and crucifixes, his inner landscape a kind of mental Sagrada Família — a weird and extraordinary edifice constructed around the rigors and promises of Christianity.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigors
Noun
-
From this perspective, the Swasthani stories teach women that through perseverance, their hardships turn into triumphs and women’s suffering turns into strength.—
Jessica Vantine Birkenholtz,
The Conversation,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Amanda Peet is not holding back on the hardships she's experienced since being diagnosed with breast cancer.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
According to Souther, Perrine began experiencing involuntary shaking in 2011 that worsened with the onset of an illness that led to professional and financial difficulties.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Brendon had numerous health difficulties and struggled with substance abuse.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
22 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rigors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigors. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
