strict

adjective

ˈstrikt How to pronounce strict (audio)
Definition of strictnext
1
as in accurate
following an original exactly not a strict translation, because a lot of the humor is in the wordplay

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rigorous
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint that piano teacher is notoriously strict, but students make great strides under her tutelage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in rigid
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards on a strict diet strict adherence to the letter of the law

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word strict distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of strict are rigid, rigorous, and stringent. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

When could rigid be used to replace strict?

The synonyms rigid and strict are sometimes interchangeable, but rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

When would rigorous be a good substitute for strict?

The words rigorous and strict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

When is it sensible to use stringent instead of strict?

Although the words stringent and strict have much in common, stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.

stringent standards of admission

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 strict China has historically maintained strict immigration policies, tightly restricting low-skilled workers with limited paths to permanent residency for foreigners. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025 Border security and enforcement efforts remain strict, and crossing the border without authorization remains a crime. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025 But current and former employees describe Tan as missing in action, spotted in person only once at an ice cream social, presumably designed to soften the news about a strict return to office policy. —Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025 Hospitals have to follow strict guidelines to ensure cleanliness and reduce risk of infections and illness for patients, staff and visitors. —Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strict
  1. accurate
  2. rigorous
  3. rigid
  4. true
  5. harsh
  6. stringent
  7. careful
  8. authoritarian
Adjective
  • The display is bright, resulting in accurate and vibrant colors.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    — Cody Godwin, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of accurate
Adjective
  • The coins will undergo a rigorous conservation process before being given to local museums for public display, according to the company.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • During a recent appearance on Vulture’s Good One podcast, the standup recalled prepping for the rigorous audition process for a year while doing improv and working day jobs in Chicago.
    — Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of rigorous
Adjective
  • Demonstrate inclusion and psychological safety by ensuring that returning to the office does not feel like a rigid, one-size-fits-all policy.
    — Peter Cappelli, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Hough thought his performance was stiff and rigid, though, and lacked fluidity.
    — Lynette Rice, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
Definition of rigid
Adjective
  • Watching my great-grandmother, grandmother, mother and aunt serve as loyal members of this sorority shaped my understanding of what true sisterhood and service look like.
    — Essence, Essence, 3 Oct. 2025
  • With markets looking unperturbed, that might turn out true sooner if nothing serious comes in the way of the bulls.
    — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Definition of true
Adjective
  • The triumphant narrative began to fray when exceedingly harsh lockdown measures could no longer contain the spread of the virus, and the staggering human cost in the name of protecting lives defied all logic.
    — Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
  • There are no easy fixes, so figuring out how to cushion the harsh impact will be the basis of negotiations with other parties in the Japanese legislature, the Diet.
    — Jeff Kingston, Time, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • The theory is going to be put to the test in more stringent ways against Philadelphia on Sunday and beyond, but an adjustment made before Denver’s 28-3 Week 4 win appears to have paid immediate dividends for the two backs and for Denver’s offense overall.
    — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Texas has stringent estray laws, a process that involves public notices to find the owner and coordination with the Sheriff’s Office.
    — Mitch Moxley, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Definition of stringent
Adjective
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • These treatments require careful and ongoing monitoring.
    — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • The developments led Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s socialist and authoritarian leader, to threaten to declare a state of emergency earlier this week.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The book is a policy handbook meant to address the realities of political life following the turmoil of the French Revolution, presenting a Christian alternative to both the authoritarian secular liberalism and counterrevolutionary movements of the day.
    — Indianapolis Star, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025
Definition of authoritarian

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striating
strict
strictly
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Cite this Entry

“Strict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strict. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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