rigorous

adjective

rig·​or·​ous ˈri-g(ə-)rəs 

1

: manifesting, exercising, or favoring rigor : very strict

2

a

: marked by extremes of temperature or climate

b

: harsh, severe

3

: scrupulously accurate : precise

rigorously adverb

rigorousness noun

Synonyms of rigorous

• strict
• tough
• harsh
• authoritarian
• rigid
• stern

Choose the Right Synonym for rigorous

rigid, rigorous, strict, stringent mean extremely severe or stern.

rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.

stringent standards of admission

Examples of rigorous in a Sentence

rigorous enforcement of the rules

a rigorous course of study

We subjected the data to a rigorous analysis.

Recent Examples on the Web

Every buy now, pay later review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of loan products. —Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 1 Dec. 2025

Hegseth’s crackdowns on press access to the Pentagon complex have not deterred rigorous reporting about the boat strikes. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 1 Dec. 2025

The number of places in the world where someone can earn a living making serious-minded fine art has shrunk drastically—now the number of places where people go to prison for rigorous creative action is rising at an alarming speed. —Diedrich Diederichsen, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025

Following a fair, transparent and rigorous process, The Gaming Facility Location Board has validated the positive economic impact this project will have with billions of dollars in tax revenue, 23,000 union jobs, and over $1 billion in community benefits. —Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rigorous

• vigorous

Kids Definition

rigorous

adjective

rig·​or·​ous ˈrig-(ə-)rəs 

1

: very strict

2

: marked by great differences of temperature or climate

3

: very accurate

rigorously adverb

rigorousness noun