STRICT Synonyms: 147 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

strict

adjective

ˈstrikt

Definition of strict

as in accurate

following an original exactly not a strict translation, because a lot of the humor is in the wordplay

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 The industry has adopted strict standards and more sophisticated measuring of emissions, including Bluetooth monitoring, digital verification and real-time usage data to address criticism of carbon credits. — ABC News, 6 Sep. 2026 The country's largest school district now has some of the strictest guidelines around younger students using artificial intelligence tools in school — at least, temporarily. — Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026 The laboratory team delivered the Palisades assessment inside that strict deadline. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026 In my specific case, the instructions for brevity, scannability, and strict citation formatting are hard-coded with massive priority. — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for strict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for strict

Adjective

Suffice it to say, a QB's rookie year is not always an accurate portrayal of the player that QB will become.

— Austin Mock, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
However, according to veterinarians, this calculation isn't always accurate.

— Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of accurate

Adjective

Popularists, such as the data scientist David Shor and the writer Matt Yglesias, have advocated using rigorous polling and analytics to develop a Democratic agenda that appeals to the median voter.

— Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2026
That’s led to more rigorous testing and higher standards, including a set of rules by the American Petroleum Institute that took effect at the start of the decade.

— Adam Ismail, The Drive, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of rigorous

Adjective

There has been a widespread opinion that football has become too rigid and regimented in recent seasons, but Luis Enrique’s PSG are one of the few antidotes to that.

— Art de Roché, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Unlike its competitors, Hermès is a pre-haute-couture enterprise, founded before the rigid bureaucracy of French fashion was put into place, in the eighteen-sixties, with the establishment of a governing syndicate.

— Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of rigid

Adjective

There was skepticism about Vizzina, who threw only 105 passes in his first three years at Clemson and then was pushed by true freshman Tait Reynolds for the starting role in preseason camp.

— Antonio Morales, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
This is true for the franchise as a whole; RHOA is the city that turned Housewives into a sport that requires real skill and charisma.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of true

Adjective

Despite the behind-the-scenes consensus growing behind the bipartisan Senate bill, progressives are laying down their markers for a more stringent approach.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2026
There are more stringent ozone standards that are still not being met, and the district is hoping to reach those levels within the next six years.

— James Taylor, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of stringent

Adjective

The Challenges of Caring for a Fireclay Sink However, the same gleaming surface that makes a fireclay sink an anchor of your kitchen design requires a more intentional, careful cleaning routine than some other materials.

— Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 10 Sep. 2026
The premise couldn’t be simpler, though Wollner’s incredible prologue — a careful arrangement of low-event long takes that emphasize how people move through spaces in time — trains our eyes to privilege texture over incident.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of careful

Adjective

Dejan Pavlovic, from Belgrade’s Faculty of Political Sciences, drew a comparison with an election this year in Hungary that swept from power another authoritarian, Viktor Orbán.

— Ivana Bzganovic, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Meanwhile, authoritarian regimes are on the rise across the planet, including in the United States.

— Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of authoritarian

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“Strict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strict. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of strict

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