1
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a rigorous football coach who pushes his players to their physical and mental limits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy
a rigorous analysis of the data
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stringent
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards
a rigorous diet and exercise regimen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
studied for umpteen months for the rigorous exam
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 rigorous
Life sciences companies are required to submit promotional materials through a rigorous Medical-Legal-Regulatory (MLR) review process before exposing them to healthcare providers, patients, or consumers.
—
Chase Feiger, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
New Yorkers have a friend in Hell Gate, a happily cheeky yet extremely rigorous city news outlet.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
The best Prime Day espresso machine deals For years, Breville’s espresso makers have outperformed most of the competition in our teams’ rigorous espresso machine product testing, and year after year at least a few best-selling models get marked down for Prime Day.
—Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 July 2025
Effective legislation can preserve local control and ensure rigorous design standards, while also making sure that housing is built where it’s needed most.
—Laura Friedman, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Chase Feiger, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
New Yorkers have a friend in Hell Gate, a happily cheeky yet extremely rigorous city news outlet.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
The best Prime Day espresso machine deals For years, Breville’s espresso makers have outperformed most of the competition in our teams’ rigorous espresso machine product testing, and year after year at least a few best-selling models get marked down for Prime Day.
—Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 July 2025
Effective legislation can preserve local control and ensure rigorous design standards, while also making sure that housing is built where it’s needed most.
—Laura Friedman, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
-
The rule requires refiners and fuel distributors to meet stricter emissions targets even as refineries close in a state that has long made its hostility to the oil and gas industry clear.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 July 2025
-
That’s not the strict definition of doxxing because the post did not give Butker’s address.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Advertisement Read more: The True Cost of Trump’s Cuts to NOAA and NASA Many offices around the country are unable to carry out previously routine tasks like releasing weather balloons to get precise atmospheric data—and experts say forecasts have already been less accurate this year.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
15 July 2025
-
Even with label checks, the actual caffeine content may not always be accurate, Wick added.—
Stephanie Brown,
Verywell Health,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
However, the Senate bill still strips tax incentives for wind, solar and other renewable energy projects by 2027 and gives developers stringent requirements to claim them.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
3 July 2025
-
Ideally, Buckingham would like the physical requirements for truck drivers to more closely mirror the stringent physical requirements for commercial airline pilots.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
Speaking with director Joe Johnston, Oka explained the two most difficult things to simulate digitally at the time were human skin and water.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
15 July 2025
-
They are often considered the most beautiful irises but can be difficult to grow.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
The tough part is deciding between a leather sofa or a plush number made with performance fabric.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
9 July 2025
-
But after rookie third baseman Ronny Mauricio made an exceptionally tough double play to end a two-on, one-out threat in the bottom of the eighth, there was no way the Mets were losing.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
The switch-over will make the robots lighter and more damage-resistant, with more precise control over their movements.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
To acquire more precise information, the I.D.F. developed a telephone that appeared to be registered in Lebanon.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
The producer said getting his hands on an original copy of the Carter song on LP proved challenging, and expensive, signaling a cult following for such music.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
9 July 2025
-
Gap Easy Trousers Finding summer work pants that are both breathable and stylish can be challenging, but these petite Easy Trousers from Gap fit the bill perfectly.—
Melony Forcier,
Travel + Leisure,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
The biggest change was the introduction of the punitive second apron, which imposed harsh team-building restrictions on teams that crossed said line.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Unlike harsher retinoids, this one is gentle enough for sensitive skin.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share