Synonym Chooser

How is the word stringent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of stringent are rigid, rigorous, and strict. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.

stringent standards of admission

Where would rigid be a reasonable alternative to stringent?

The synonyms rigid and stringent are sometimes interchangeable, but rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

When might rigorous be a better fit than stringent?

While the synonyms rigorous and stringent are close in meaning, rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

When could strict be used to replace stringent?

Although the words strict and stringent have much in common, strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

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 stringent Tested under stringent conditions, the new material endured more than 90,000 operating cycles, which is the equivalent of 25,000 hours of continuous truck operation, while still outperforming current DOE targets. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025 Wang witnessed how the stringent COVID measures sparked rare protests and the government's eventual change of course in late 2022. Vincent Ni, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025 Even young kids can stumble on these images and videos, especially when something’s trending, or when multiple copies of a video are bombarding the feed, overriding even the most stringent parental controls. Robyn Koslowitz, Parents, 19 Sep. 2025 Many of our policies are more stringent than law. Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stringent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stringent
Adjective
  • The therapy will debut at Relive Health’s Stuart, Florida location, thanks to recent updates in Florida’s regulatory framework allowing advanced stem cell treatments under strict medical oversight.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The weddings are planned by celebrity event stylist Slomique Hawrylo and adhere to a strict budget.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Every tax article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors.
    David McMillin, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The National Nuclear Security Administration funds the sensors, which undergo rigorous shock, vibration, thermal vacuum, and prompt X-ray testing to survive launch and the harsh space environment.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stringent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stringent. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stringent

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