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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
studied for umpteen months for the rigorous exam
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rigorous
Last year, the program was revised so instead of a rigorous application process, nominations were made by school faculty so the Rotarians could find the most deserving students who could use financial assistance, Saks said.
—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
The God Squad has historically been convened only in exceptional cases, with rigorous checks and scientific review.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
The five startup founders who will pitch their ideas at Outside Ignite will be chosen from a rigorous selection process after an open call for applications that began in March.
—The Editors, Outside Online, 10 Apr. 2025
That’s the cost of such rigorous theming: Since you’re supposed to be inside a game, anything that gets in the way of that illusion is banned.
—Todd Anderson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
The God Squad has historically been convened only in exceptional cases, with rigorous checks and scientific review.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
The five startup founders who will pitch their ideas at Outside Ignite will be chosen from a rigorous selection process after an open call for applications that began in March.
—The Editors, Outside Online, 10 Apr. 2025
That’s the cost of such rigorous theming: Since you’re supposed to be inside a game, anything that gets in the way of that illusion is banned.
—Todd Anderson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
-
Augusta National Golf Club, where the tournament takes place each April, has a strict no cell phone and cameras rule during the four days of official competition.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
18 Apr. 2025
-
So Read, a 56-year-old sexologist and writer based in Calgary, Canada, developed a strict sleep and bedtime routine.—
Erica Sweeney,
SELF,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But the ability to navigate this uncertainty depends on high-quality, accurate data—particularly supplier master data—which is easier said than done.—
Sarah Jones,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Apr. 2025
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Garland handed the character work of directing to Mendoza to honor the project’s one abiding rule: sticking without exception to an utterly accurate recounting.—
Fred Schruers,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Repelling Pests Bay leaf's stringent scent is used to repel insects.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
14 Apr. 2025
-
This is likely due to helicopters' ability to fly and land in a wider variety of locations as well as the much more stringent safety protocols in place for commercial airlines, including having multiple pilots on board in case of emergency.—
Mackenzie Schmidt,
People.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Third, operational command of Kamikaze planes is difficult because results cannot be evaluated with any accuracy.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
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Instead, the major drama comes in the form of Ivy’s corruption by her acting coach, as Ivy gradually goes method and becomes as difficult to work with as Marilyn was (one of this musical’s many meta moments).—
Christian Lewis,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Over the next two years, Muhammad rang up five more victories against progressively tougher competition.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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González also supports a tough stance on crime but has criticized Noboa’s use of foreign military contractors.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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May For almost a decade, Four Horsemen has sustained a ferocious following for its precise and creative small plates, airy interior, and interesting natural wines.—
Kate Kassin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Evaluating sea-level rise impact zones: The Navigator enables precise mapping of low-lying coastal areas at risk from rising sea levels.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The game is essentially 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball, offering a challenging experience that, while not entirely reflective of actual wheelchair basketball, provides a unique gameplay twist.—
Eammonn Dignam,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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But as the birds got more comfortable with the task at hand, the team made the experiment increasingly challenging.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Hope reigns even in this harsh political climate we Americans are now experiencing.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
17 Apr. 2025
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With harsh conditions and adversaries threatening to end the Dutton legacy, Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) embarks on an arduous journey home, racing against time to save his family in Montana.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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