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

• austere
• authoritarian
• flinty
• hard
• harsh
• heavy-handed
• ramrod
• rigid
• severe
• stern
• strict
• tough

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

The parking lot designs, rigorous and formal, are enlivened by the accidental stains in the pavement organically left by cars. —Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2024

Despite years of rigorous physical therapy, Brogdon struggles to lift his right leg higher than half of a soda can. —The Arizona Republic, 7 Apr. 2024

For thousands of years, people have claimed that odd behavior by cats, dogs, snakes, bugs and even cows could predict an imminent earthquake, but a 2018 study — apparently the first rigorous analysis of the phenomenon — found there is no strong evidence behind the claim. —Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2024

From natural sourcing to rigorous quality control, Colorado Botanicals actively works to create the best CBD oil for dogs with arthritis and other conditions. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

The new facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology and complying with Europe's most rigorous safety rules laid down in the relevant legislation, in particular ICPE 1510, is poised to provide a competitive advantage for Vision Marine in the rapidly growing electric boat market. —Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2024

The story is simultaneously a rigorous analysis, vivid example and ruthless dismantling of how literature operates. —Dave Kim, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024

The moderate to rigorous climb to the wooden stile leading to generally open grasslands is beautiful and is approximately 1.5 miles away. —Jim Holden, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024

This is a primary reason why the pre-requisites for space travel are incredibly nuanced and onerous, and why astronauts often have to undergo rigorous training before spending time in space. —Sai Balasubramanian, M.d., J.d., Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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