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
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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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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
Harvard College undergraduates, who must apply to the university and be admitted under its rigorous admission standards, are not allowed to cross-register for Harvard Extension School classes.
—
Arkansas Online, 31 May 2025
His first term efforts were subject to rigorous economic analysis that could help people understand things better this time around.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
GreenGuard Gold: An even more rigorous standard signifying that a product emits less than 220 micrograms per cubic meter in VOCs.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2025
Most published clinical studies on exosome skincare are small-scale or lack rigorous controls.
—Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Arkansas Online, 31 May 2025
His first term efforts were subject to rigorous economic analysis that could help people understand things better this time around.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
GreenGuard Gold: An even more rigorous standard signifying that a product emits less than 220 micrograms per cubic meter in VOCs.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2025
Most published clinical studies on exosome skincare are small-scale or lack rigorous controls.
—Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
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There is a strict bag policy in place at the stadium, and all restrictions will be enforced.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
-
No new stores that sell certain pets will be allowed to open in Manatee County and existing pet sellers and breeders will face stricter regulations under new rules passed unanimously Tuesday by county leaders.—
Ryan Ballogg,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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Forecasts will become less accurate in time, with people getting less lead time when inclement weather may impact their daily lives.—
Bryan Karrick,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2025
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Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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Empowering SMEs With MSPs The cyber insurance industry recognizes that SMEs often lack the resources and in-house expertise to meet stringent cybersecurity requirements.—
Ratnesh Pandey,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
-
Winner: Windows 11 Security Windows 11 has more stringent hardware security requirements.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
2 June 2025
Adjective
-
These connections are difficult to make from within, but consultants are trained to see across boundaries.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
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But the fact that Schwartzman, in his first film, was given the difficult task of stealing laughs away from a comedy legend, and so often succeeds in doing so, gives him the slight edge.—
Shannon Carlin,
Time,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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This is a time for doing the tough, often unglamorous job of making the city function for all New Yorkers.—
Scott Stringer,
New York Daily News,
3 June 2025
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There are powerful levers to pull if Trump chooses, like increasing US military aid or imposing tough new sanctions, such as those overwhelmingly supported in the US Senate.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Producing energy depends on precise teamwork between nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA, like two musicians playing in perfect harmony.—
Elay Shech,
The Conversation,
30 May 2025
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That is the precise formula the Pacers had used defensively to eradicate the Milwaukee Bucks and Cavs and push the Knicks to the brink of elimination.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Read more upvotes Comment View 417 comments Dr. Melanie McCabe told Newsweek that the postpartum period can be both joyful and deeply challenging.—
Darlin Tillery,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 June 2025
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Predicting how technology will change our relationship with terminology is challenging, but the need for precise scientific language, including the names of species, will never go away.—
Nicholas Green,
The Conversation,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Instead of internalising every harsh comment, try reframing it as information about their inner world rather than a reflection of your worth.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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Of the treaty’s three American signers—John Adams, John Jay and Benjamin Franklin—Franklin was said to have taken the harshest line against the loyalists.—
Greg Daugherty,
Smithsonian Magazine,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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