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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 Households can grow up to four plants under strict rules and private consumption by people 18 and older is legal. Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and 18th-century evangelicals were all deeply committed to religious freedom, including a strict separation of church and state. Time, 10 July 2025 Defy his late dad's strict non-interference policy by flying around the world fast enough to reverse the Earth's spin, and rewind time to a point where Lois is still alive. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 10 July 2025 Clara Keen: Mystic had a very strict no-tech policy. Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for strict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strict
Adjective
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 5 July 2025
  • All odds are accurate as of 5:00 a.m. ET on Friday.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • The loss of trustworthiness in the rigorous and nonpartisan work of the Task Force would devastate patients, hospital systems, and payers as misinformation creates barriers to accessing lifesaving and cost effective care.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
  • The Freeform rolling carry-on was deemed the Best Overall Carry-on by Travel + Leisure after rounds of rigorous testing at our New York City lab.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike rigid anomaly detection models, LLMs have the capability of identifying unknown threats and can reduce false positives significantly.
    Karan Alang, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The wall, which was built in the late 1990s and is 2,278 feet long, undulates instead of forming a rigid line.
    Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The same's true for someone who is retired and taking taxable withdrawals from traditional 401(k) plans.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
  • Among the property's true highlights is its exceptional dining scene— beloved by both discerning locals and hotel guests.
    Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The biggest change was the introduction of the punitive second apron, which imposed harsh team-building restrictions on teams that crossed said line.
    Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Unlike harsher retinoids, this one is gentle enough for sensitive skin.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Ideally, Buckingham would like the physical requirements for truck drivers to more closely mirror the stringent physical requirements for commercial airline pilots.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2025
  • However, the Senate bill still strips tax incentives for wind, solar and other renewable energy projects by 2027 and gives developers stringent requirements to claim them.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, later in the day, be careful about jumping to conclusions when dealing with others.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
  • The takeaway: Be careful about triggering too many credit inquiries.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Whether Trump's death quelled or accelerated authoritarian forces remains an open question.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
  • All of these factors and their contribution to alienation can foster authoritarian beliefs and individualism.
    Nathan Meyers, The Conversation, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strict. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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