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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 As part of his release, Anthony is required to wear an ankle monitor, remain under strict house arrest, and have no contact with the victim’s family. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Organizations should conduct regular audits to identify and secure shadow IT, enforce strict governance over digital tools, validate AI data pipelines and implement anomaly detection to ensure data integrity before model training. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Because of Florida’s strict requirements, single, working, low-income adults don’t qualify. Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025 But strict though the rules are around who can play, players say the sport often frees them from thinking about their disability. Mohamed Sheikh Nor, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Apr. 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.
    Emily DeLetter, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • These speculations proved accurate when, on the second night of WrestleMania 41, Lynch was revealed as the mystery partner of Women's Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria in a tag team title match against the then-champions, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.
    Keagan Ostop, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Biking is smooth and the frame is sturdy, heavy and durable enough to handle rigorous cycling.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Resilience now comes from adaptive planning, not rigid protocols.
    Toby Wong, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • At every turn, Francis chose radical inclusion over rigid control, and conscience over comfort.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Francis hailed as 'true advocate for peace' In 2019, Francis became the first pontiff to set foot on the peninsula where Islam was born.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • But against the Cavaliers, against the length of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Ware stands essential, on a Heat roster that lacks a true backup center.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • So, designing the model's apparent personality to be positive and supportive makes sense—people are less likely to use an AI that comes off as harsh or dismissive.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Vietnamese refugees who got a warm welcome from America puzzle at family separations, harsh rhetoric In Vietnam, Lam had owned three companies.
    Anh Do, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Computer vision technologies can identify defects and ensure that parts meet stringent aerospace standards.
    Kathleen Walch, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The bill, which passed by a 46-1 vote with one abstention, blocks helicopters that don’t meet the most stringent Federal Aviation Administration noise standards from flying out of the main Manhattan heliports in Midtown and near Wall St., beginning in 2029.
    Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Be careful not to let in too much moisture to avoid any mildew or mold developing on your mattress.
    Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Yet Schlossberg is careful to note that May did not shadow-direct the movie during production.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His parents were Italian immigrants who fled Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime, and his grandmother Rosa Margherita Vassallo di Bergoglio was active in Catholic Action, formed by Italian bishops who wanted to maintain their independence from Mussolini’s authoritarian rule.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been called an authoritarian, and previous reports have noted restrictions to civil liberties.
    Graham Smith, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strict. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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