rigid

adjective

rig·​id ˈri-jəd How to pronounce rigid (audio)
1
a
: deficient in or devoid of flexibility
rigid price controls
a rigid bar of metal
b
: appearing stiff and unyielding
his face rigid with pain
2
a
: inflexibly set in opinion
b
: strictly observed
adheres to a rigid schedule
3
: firmly inflexible rather than lax or indulgent
a rigid disciplinarian
4
: precise and accurate in procedure
rigid control of the manufacturing process
5
of an airship : having the outer shape maintained by a fixed framework
rigidly adverb
rigidness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for rigid

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

synonyms see in addition stiff

Examples of rigid in a Sentence

The patient's legs were rigid. He is a rigid disciplinarian.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Set within a military institution, the film continues his exploration of gender and power, aiming to expose and humanize rigid, oppressive systems through personal and emotional storytelling. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 15 July 2025 Zara hadn’t become rigid overnight—her views on competence, control and value had been reinforced over decades. Diana Lowe, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 Once defined by its rigid rules, Texas barbecue is getting a shake-up thanks to a growing class of pitmasters telling stories of migration and global flavors through such dishes as seekh kabab sausage and smoky brisket tacos. AFAR Media, 14 July 2025 Consumer preferences appear to be following typical patterns: men’s jeans favor rigid or light-stretch styles, while women’s styles lean toward greater stretch. Kasi Martin, Sourcing Journal, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for rigid

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rigide, from Latin rigidus, from rigēre to be stiff

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rigid was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigid. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

rigid

adjective
rig·​id ˈrij-əd How to pronounce rigid (audio)
1
: not flexible : stiff, hard
2
a
: very fixed in one's opinion or habits : unyielding
b
: carefully observed : scrupulous
follows a rigid exercise program
3
: exact and accurate in procedure
rigidity
rə-ˈjid-ət-ē
noun
rigidly
ˈrij-əd-lē
adverb
rigidness noun
Etymology

from Latin rigidus, "rigid," from rigēre "to be stiff" — related to rigor mortis

Medical Definition

rigid

adjective
rig·​id ˈrij-əd How to pronounce rigid (audio)
: deficient in or devoid of flexibility : characterized by stiffness
rigid muscles

More from Merriam-Webster on rigid

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