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Synonym Chooser

How is the word strict distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of strict are rigid, rigorous, and stringent. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

When could rigid be used to replace strict?

The synonyms rigid and strict are sometimes interchangeable, but rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

When would rigorous be a good substitute for strict?

The words rigorous and strict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

When is it sensible to use stringent instead of strict?

Although the words stringent and strict 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 strict His remarkable physique is a testament to that strict regimen. The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 Those numbers dropped after the Trump administration enacted stricter immigration policies but picked back up through 2018. Dan Gooding, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 Swift action on immigration policy was proof of how Democrats were no longer resisting some strict enforcement proposals. Stephen Groves, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025 Certified billing software must meet strict criteria to ensure data integrity and support potential real-time reporting. Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for strict 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strict
Adjective
  • Reports that Rihanna would be in attendance for her partner, A$AP Rocky’s, criminal trial have proven themselves accurate, as court reporter Meghann Cuniff has revealed that the singer is, indeed, in the courtroom gallery, seated beside family members.
    Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 29 Jan. 2025
  • While the eruption poses no danger to humans, an accurate prediction could put researchers closer to accurately being able to forecast volcanic eruptions, according to researchers.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • These suppliers undergo rigorous vetting processes and must meet safety standards to prevent potential hazards.
    Tim Bajarin, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Like many large employers, the agency proactively seeks qualified candidates from as many sources as possible, all of whom must meet rigorous qualifications that of course will vary by position.
    John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In his rejection of a rigid empiricism, moreover, Kingsley left room for intuitive and imaginative approaches to nature, and indeed to science, and refused to draw a hard line between human and nonhuman experience, instead viewing all creatures as belonging to a spectrum with no sharp boundaries.
    Ben Woollard, JSTOR Daily, 29 Jan. 2025
  • The starting point for the designs was the house’s Efflorescence Jewel Handle bag with its rigid encrusted handle, whereas previous iterations were based on the Viv’ Choc model.
    Alex Wynne, WWD, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Even if for the sake of argument that were true, the policy response is not and never can be.
    The Editors, National Review, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Multigenerational families living together is very true to Latine culture in the United States and beyond.
    Zayda Rivera, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • So, if the Dodgers transition from the team that was unable to win it in a 162-game regular season to a dynasty similar to the Yankees dynasty, then the complaints of harsher regulations against the Dodgers may be warranted.
    Tyler Small, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Unlike regular shampoos, curl-specific formulas focus on hydration, gentle cleansing, and curl retention while avoiding harsh sulfates and silicones that can strip moisture.
    Erin Parker, Allure, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Doti addresses this by enforcing real-time permissions at the source, providing granular access controls, and offering flexible deployment options, including on-premise setups for organizations with stringent compliance needs.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Relief agencies accused Israel of overly restricting deliveries with stringent inspections and the closure of border crossings, which Israel denied, and have said that at least 200 trucks per day were required to provide food, medicines, fuel, clean water and other essentials.
    Hiba Yazbek, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Leopold cautioned immigrants of any religious, national or ethnic background to be careful traveling.
    Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Bass has employed a more careful and conciliatory tone.
    Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In this paradigm, the ideal worker is less like a corporate ally or a trusted collaborator and more like a subject of an authoritarian regime.
    Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Over the past decade, during which the authoritarian Law and Justice party has ruled in Poland, the Centre has served as a staunch defender of independent research.
    Natalia Romik / Madę by History, TIME, 27 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near strict

Cite this Entry

“Strict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strict. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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