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Synonym Chooser

How is the word rigid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of rigid are rigorous, strict, and stringent. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

When would rigorous be a good substitute for rigid?

The synonyms rigorous and rigid are sometimes interchangeable, but rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

When might strict be a better fit than rigid?

The words strict and rigid can be used in similar contexts, but strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

When could stringent be used to replace rigid?

Although the words stringent and rigid have much in common, stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.

stringent standards of admission

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 rigid Not only does the singer maintain a rigid public image, but it’s gotta suck to learn your friend might have tried to weaponize your relationship without your awareness. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2025 Its political order—rigid and authoritarian—routinely suppresses dissent across its imperial borders. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 Resilience now comes from adaptive planning, not rigid protocols. Toby Wong, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 At every turn, Francis chose radical inclusion over rigid control, and conscience over comfort. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rigid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigid
Adjective
  • The Portuguese manager built his success by adhering to a strict 3-4-3 system at Sporting Lisbon.
    Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Known for his Marian devotion—which encourages piety and seeks the intercession of the Virgin Mary—and strict doctrinal stances, he is viewed as a potential challenger to Parolin, especially in early voting rounds and has odds of 7/1.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Published in English, Tehelka had a small circulation but an outsized reputation for tough investigations.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Jimmie Woods-Gray, a member of the city’s fire commission, said that cutting the Equity Bureau is a necessary step in a tough budget year.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Sandoval has received some pay bumps, including a temporary $10,000-a-year bonus for Hawaii special education teachers designed to alleviate shortages in that and other hard-to-staff areas.
    Alia Wong, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2023
  • That die-hard fan base in Phoenix got a taste of glory in 2021 when the Suns were up two games to none in the Finals on the Milwaukee Bucks before dropping the next four and ultimately losing the championship series.
    Max Olsan, The Arizona Republic, 13 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • In contrast, Trump faces stiff opposition in liberal states.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Despite being high cut and stiff, Jackson’s combination of explosiveness and raw power will keep him in the league for a long time.
    Dane Brugler, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Most engines with two banks of cylinders have a V angle of 60 or perhaps 90 degrees; with a V angle of just 15 degrees, the VR6 engine was able to fit in the tight confines of the Golf's engine bay.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Size of fines ‘big and scary’ Stephen Shepard, executive vice president of the Denver Metro Building Owners and Managers Association, said the city’s timelines were too tight and the fines too heavy.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Every debt-relief product review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of debt-relief products.
    Dana Miranda, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Taking the rigorous steps to join the community opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
    Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • To his critics, his centralization of power and ruthless purge of opponents put Malaysia on an authoritarian trajectory.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 2 May 2025
  • Singapore, for instance, is highly economically free but sharply socially authoritarian.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Studio Keiko At the center of a kitchen by Studio Keiko, a sculptural mono-block island—welded on all three sides from solid stainless steel—serves as both anchor and statement.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Chemicals at the port were suspected to have fueled the explosion, but the exact cause was not clear and Iran's Defence Ministry denied international media reports that the blast may be linked to the mishandling of solid fuel used for missiles.
    USA Today, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigid. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

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