Definition of strictnext
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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 Those have to be at least as strict as federal requirements, according to the EPA. Sofi Zeman june 22, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2026 Medicines like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Ozempic require strict refrigeration and temperature control during transit. Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 22 June 2026 Commercial vehicles face high loads, long operating hours, and strict uptime demands. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 22 June 2026 Many Parsis carry a quiet resignation about the community’s strict boundaries. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for strict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strict
Adjective
  • Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.
    Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • And a rigorous screening protocol for LFS patients developed by David Malkin, a protege of Fraumeni and Li, helps detect early-stage malignancies, improving the odds of treating them and prolonging lives.
    Lawrence Ingrassia, STAT, 26 June 2026
  • According to Lacey, who helped set up the Code Four program last year, enforcing the law requires a clear grasp of ethics and a rigorous attention to detail to make sure the job is done well.
    Noah Daly June 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • As the disease progresses, muscles throughout the body can become rigid and go into painful spasms.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • That’s the deficiency side of integrity—where authenticity gives way to fakery, consistency erodes into unpredictability, and transparency slips into manipulation…But swing too far in the other direction, and the skyscraper becomes overly rigid—too stiff to sway with the wind.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • From viral Aldi Finds to tried-and-true products shoppers love to tell their friends about, people love the thrill of discovering something new here.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • That rugged access is part of the appeal for buyers seeking a true escape rather than a weekend cabin with neighbors in sight.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Plant magnolias somewhere they will be protected from harsh winds, especially when buds or flowers are developing.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 25 June 2026
  • Most clarifying shampoos tend to be a little harsh and drying, but this one is gentle and nourishing.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Anthropic calls for more stringent regulation and supports efforts by states such as New York and California that have passed more aggressive AI laws.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • Rather than dealing with the dynamics driving away wealth, Xi Jinping’s totalitarian regime is imposing stringent new controls on buying stocks, real estate and insurance policies overseas.
    Editorial Board, Washington Post, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Just be careful not to add water, since even tiny amounts can cause melted chocolate to turn into a grainy, clumpy mess.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Ultimately, the widespread adoption of AI for mental health constitutes a global experiment with both potential benefits and serious downsides that require careful management.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • China is, of course, an authoritarian state which has been criticized for maintaining a mass-surveillance system, while Brazil regained democracy in 1985 after two decades of military dictatorship.
    Harry Booth, Time, 26 June 2026
  • Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt’s 2018 book, How Democracies Die, argues that the most decisive figures in the success or failure of an authoritarian attempt are the would-be authoritarian’s ideological allies.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Strict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strict. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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