RIGOROUS Synonyms: 239 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'rigorous' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of rigorous are rigid , strict , and stringent . While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty. // the rigorous training of recruits

Q: When can 'rigid' be used instead of 'rigorous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to rigorous , rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility. // rigid rules of conduct

Q: When would 'strict' be a good substitute for 'rigorous'?

Although the words strict and rigorous have much in common, strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements. // strict enforcement of the law

Q: When might 'stringent' be a better fit than 'rigorous'?

The synonyms stringent and rigorous are sometimes interchangeable, but stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation. // stringent standards of admission

rigorous

adjective

ˈri-g(ə-)rəs

Definition of rigorous next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in accurate

meeting the highest standard of accuracy a rigorous analysis of the data

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as in stringent

not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards a rigorous diet and exercise regimen

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as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort studied for umpteen months for the rigorous exam

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rigorous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of rigorous are rigid, strict, and stringent. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

When can rigid be used instead of rigorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to rigorous, rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

When would strict be a good substitute for rigorous?

Although the words strict and rigorous have much in common, strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

When might stringent be a better fit than rigorous?

The synonyms stringent and rigorous are sometimes interchangeable, but stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.

stringent standards of admission

Examples 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 Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. —

Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025 Finding the best ways to achieve this balance will require a rigorous debate within civil society and an understanding by the public of the technology’s potential gains and harms. —

Charina Chou, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 Built for durability, the Pro Plus models undergo rigorous MIL-STD H testing and feature Intel Core Ultra processors Series 2, which include dedicated CPU, graphics, and NPU hardware for improved performance and power efficiency. —

Brian Westover, PCMAG, 6 Jan. 2025 Every credit card article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. —

Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rigorous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous

Adjective

Certified billing software must meet strict criteria to ensure data integrity and support potential real-time reporting.

— Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
In fact, there's a strict set of rules the cast must follow.

— Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 11 Jan. 2025