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 More than half the adults in states with the most stringent bans are in that group. Geoff Mulvihill, Fortune, 25 July 2025 City spokesperson Carolina Camarena denied the union’s claims that the overtime directive was retaliatory, noting that all other departments had been informed on multiple occasions to adhere to more stringent cost control measures for overtime. Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 22 July 2025 This city, storied and prideful, and this fanbase, once spoiled and stringent with its standards, know their worth. Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 18 July 2025 In addition to independent accreditation organizations, a number of states have developed stringent regulations and camp safety councils to keep children safe. Michael Loria, USA Today, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for stringent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stringent
Adjective
  • For example, in sales, if a customer wants a certain number of licenses but has a strict budget, an agent can help figure out the best deal by looking at things like license count, budget limits and different contract lengths (like one-, two- or three-year terms).
    Ian Gotts, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • San Francisco is set to crack down on homeless people living in RVs with its Board of Supervisors preparing to vote on strict new parking limits.
    Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Ozzy Osbourne shared 3 children with first wife Thelma Riley The father of six children over two marriages, Osbourne has been vocal about how rigorous touring and alcohol use affected his family life.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 23 July 2025
  • The 22-year-old flew to the United States and went through the DCC’s rigorous tryouts, eventually becoming one of six new rookies to join the 36-member squad, out of thousands who auditioned.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 22 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Stringent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stringent. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stringent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!