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Synonym Chooser

How is the word rigid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of rigid are rigorous, strict, and stringent. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

When would rigorous be a good substitute for rigid?

The synonyms rigorous and rigid are sometimes interchangeable, but rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

When might strict be a better fit than rigid?

The words strict and rigid can be used in similar contexts, but strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

When could stringent be used to replace rigid?

Although the words stringent and rigid 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 rigid Christopher Plummer as Captain von Trapp Plummer played the von Trapp’s rigid patriarch. Keith Langston, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025 The rigid, 11-inch rise raw cut-offs offer a high-rise, relaxed fit adorned with faux pearl bow details with rhinestones. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 28 Feb. 2025 But not to be too rigid about it, Miss Manners will allow 20 minutes for the recipient to find pen and paper. Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025 But critics argue this rigid structure can strangle creativity. Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rigid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigid
Adjective
  • Four years on—late in 2024 but well in advance of the Type 00’s public debut in Miami—Robb Report was invited to Gaydon to see the result under conditions of the strictest secrecy.
    Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2025
  • While seafood imports must meet strict federal safety regulations, this catfish recall underscores the challenges of monitoring international food supply chains.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Ties during Trump’s first term One of the hallmarks of the first Trump Administration was a tougher stance towards China compared to his predecessors, through tit-for-tat tariffs and an Indo-Pacific strategy that aimed to curb Beijing’s growing influence in the Western Pacific.
    Chad de Guzman, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025
  • This all adds up to a tough investment outlook for any business looking at Ukraine’s mineral supply.
    Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Sandoval has received some pay bumps, including a temporary $10,000-a-year bonus for Hawaii special education teachers designed to alleviate shortages in that and other hard-to-staff areas.
    Alia Wong, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2023
  • The five-year commemoration of that day is particularly hard for Jennifer, who usually shies away from talking publicly about her loss.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • Next is Atlético in the capital, a much stiffer assignment than a home match against a team destined for relegation.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The masterplan for ‘MasterChef’s return Though war rages, and Ukrainian troops continue to offer stiff resistance Russia and its North Korean army allies, some restrictions on civilians are being relaxed.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Volusion differentiates itself from other services in the crowded e-commerce field by offering many useful tools and features, including an easy-to-use website builder, rich tutorials that walk you through its many options, and tight Google search integration.
    Robert Anderson, PCMAG, 27 Feb. 2025
  • That’s been definitely one of the challenges of working with a tight budget but make this thing look like money.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • All in all, even a moderate approach was like 12-hours of rigorous cardio.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Every mortgage article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of mortgage products.
    Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The authoritarian manosphere is organized around a hierarchy topped by heroic male warriors.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The futuristic worlds that she’s created reflect that, from the dark and dismal cityscapes to the authoritarian prisoner ships run entirely by soulless robots.
    Kyle Wilson, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • She is also seen as a solid candidate to land the job permanently.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Gilmour's Eris rocket is made of three stages powered by hybrid engines consuming a solid fuel and a liquid oxidizer.
    Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigid. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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