Synonyms of strict

strict

adjective

ˈstrikt 

1

as in accurate

following an original exactly

not a strict translation, because a lot of the humor is in the wordplay

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accurate
• true
• careful
• exact
• precise
• authentic
• faithful
• meticulous
• realistic
• right
• scrupulous
• authoritative
• conscientious
• veracious
• real
• genuine
• punctilious
• bona fide
• lifelike
• veridical

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loose
• false
• corrupt
• inaccurate
• careless
• unfaithful
• imprecise
• slack
• inexact
• erroneous
• wrong
• off
• corrupted
• incorrect
• inauthentic
• slovenly
• invalid
• slipshod
• unsound
• untrue
• untruthful

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

• rigorous
• harsh
• authoritarian
• tough
• rigid
• stern
• severe
• hard
• relentless
• austere
• merciless
• hardened
• gruff
• steadfast
• demanding
• flinty
• heavy-handed
• ramrod
• adamant
• exacting
• unbending
• hard-line
• inflexible
• stiff
• uncompromising
• ascetic
• unforgiving
• determined
• unrelenting
• unyielding
• implacable
• pitiless
• monastic
• bullying
• dour
• callous
• monkish
• immovable
• unsparing
• adamantine
• uncharitable
• ossified
• resolved
• unflinching
• firm
• obstinate
• dogged
• rock-ribbed
• hard-hearted
• intractable
• single-minded
• browbeating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lax
• lenient
• gentle
• tolerant
• easy
• indulgent
• mild
• forbearing
• kind
• patient
• easygoing
• soft
• charitable
• undemanding
• merciful
• accepting
• willing
• clement
• yielding
• responsive
• flexible
• laid-back
• compliant
• amenable
• agreeable
• softhearted
• compromising
• complaisant
• pliant
• pliable
• acquiescent

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rigorous
• rigid
• stringent
• exacting
• meticulous
• conscientious
• steadfast
• adamant
• hard-line
• uncompromising
• inflexible
• cast-iron
• close
• exact
• stubborn
• tough
• relentless
• harsh
• scrupulous
• severe
• punctilious
• determined
• painstaking
• undeviating
• unbending
• brassbound
• hard
• firm
• resolved
• fussy
• stern
• dogged
• unflinching
• tenacious
• demanding
• hardened
• unrelenting
• adamantine
• implacable
• unyielding
• austere
• single-minded
• grim
• immovable
• unsparing
• flinty
• unappeasable
• ironbound
• hard-hearted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lax
• flexible
• loose
• relaxed
• slack
• compliant
• lenient
• gentle
• easy
• yielding
• mild
• pliant
• pliable
• acquiescent
• tolerant
• soft
• merciful
• indulgent
• kindly
• easygoing
• negligent
• compromising
• sloppy
• neglectful
• slovenly
• slipshod
• relenting
• remiss
• spoiling
• pampering
• unfussy

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

Recent Examples of strict

Alice’s father is a British government official high in the ranks of Bombay society so her friendship with film star Rochana is frowned on by her strict mother. —Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026

Before that, strict religious rules and the legacy of terror attacks in the early 2000s gave a perception that the kingdom was unsafe. —Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 1 Mar. 2026

Unlike the mainland, where design bowed to strict classical ideals, Irish makers were freer and more idiosyncratic. —Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2026

After the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Democrats took a stand to push for a ban on mask-wearing for agents, stricter use-of-force standards and body camera requirements. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 1 Mar. 2026