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

The statement also comes after Angel City FC's Elizabeth Eddy published a New York Post op-ed last week calling for the NWSL to adopt a stricter gender eligibility policy. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025

Fortune reported this weekend that loan originators were imposing increasingly strict legal terms into private credit deals, a sign that lenders sense trouble on the horizon. —Jim Edwards, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025

However, any discussions about artificial radio signals were subject to strict government surveillance, given the fact that military satellites depended on them, too. —Gabriela Radulescu, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 2025

Pureval countered that the city leadership combatted crime through numerous measures, including implementing a stricter curfew and recruiting more officers. —Scott Wartman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Nov. 2025