STRINGENTLY Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

stringent

adjective

ˈstrin-jənt

Definition of stringent next

as in strict

not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards stringent rules against unauthorized persons being in the building

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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 But biscuits aren’t that stringent. —

Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Feb. 2026 The administration has also blocked California's longstanding ability to set its own vehicle rules and made federal fuel economy rules less stringent. —

Camila Domonoske, NPR, 11 Feb. 2026 Nektar Therapeutics said Tuesday that monthly and quarterly injections of its experimental drug, called rezpeg, enabled 71% and 83% of patients with moderate-to-severe eczema, respectively, to maintain stringent skin-lesion improvements after one year. —

Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 10 Feb. 2026 As part of its analysis of the project, DEEP also determined the addition of the two new compressors would not meet the threshold for a major modification — which is subject to more stringent review — because the increase in ozone-forming pollutants would not exceed 25 tons per year. —

John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stringent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stringent

Adjective

For now, the Supreme Court ruling has effectively installed a strict near-term ceiling on trade barriers, substantially neutralizing the threat of runaway tariff escalation.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2026
Leger Fernández pointed to a strict voter identification bill, known as the SAVE America Act, that Democrats have warned would disenfranchise tens of millions of eligible voters, including women who have changed their last names after getting married.

— Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026