1
a
: stringent in requirement or control
under strict orders
b
: severe in discipline
a strict teacher
2
a
: inflexibly maintained or adhered to
strict secrecy
b
: rigorously conforming to principle or a norm or condition
3
: exact, precise
in the strict sense of the word
4
: of narrow erect habit of growth
a strict inflorescence
5
archaic
a
: tight, close
also : intimate
b
: narrow
strictly adverb
strictness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for strict

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 strict in a Sentence

Her parents aren't very strict. He insists on strict adherence to the rules.
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.
The mission also comes at a time of dwindling confidence among British businesses, which are facing higher taxes and stricter employment rules under the new Labour government. Samantha Conti, WWD, 5 Feb. 2025 The emails also raise serious legal and ethical concerns, especially given the NFL's strict policies regarding conduct detrimental to the league. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025 The city of Miami Beach released a marketing video Tuesday in which actors depict a spring break gone wrong due to strict rules, police crackdowns and potential curfews. Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2025 At the very least, hemp sellers should be subject to the same strict rules imposed on the pot industry. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for strict 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stricte, from Latin strictus, from past participle of stringere to bind tight — more at strain

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

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

Dictionary Entries Near strict

Cite this Entry

“Strict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strict. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

strict

adjective
1
: permitting no avoidance or escape
under strict orders
2
a
: kept with great care : absolute
strict secrecy
b
: carefully obeying rules or a code of conduct
3
: completely correct : exact, precise
in the strict meaning of the word
strictly adverb
strictness noun

Legal Definition

strict

adjective
1
: characterized by narrowness : not demonstrating a broad or liberal view
strict interpretation
2
a
: firm or rigid in requirement or control
b
: severe in discipline
3
a
: inflexibly maintained or adhered to
b
: rigorously conforming to a principle or norm or condition
a strict bill of interpleader
4
: not requiring fault see also strict liability at liability sense 2b
strictly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on strict

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