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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

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 strict That standard is far less strict than Welch’s, which effectively gives as few as 19 Democrats veto power over any state legislation. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025 Picture Alliance | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Car manufacturers have a number of ways to mitigate the impact of the European Union’s stricter emissions targets, although analysts say all options are likely to come at a significant cost. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025 His remarkable physique is a testament to that strict regimen. The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 However, the program operates under strict annual caps and specific eligibility criteria, balancing the needs of U.S. employers with concerns about domestic job protection. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for strict 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strict
Adjective
  • Still, Republicans have said that even if that call was accurate, the C.I.A. failed in understanding other key events: how quickly the Afghan government could collapse, how Bashar al-Assad would flee Syria and how Hamas was preparing to attack Israel.
    Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
  • While some might have considered the project too niche, Kyle’s intuition about the product’s appeal seems to have been accurate, with even the X Games getting a taste of the product earlier this year.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Kings hadn’t played since their double-overtime win over the Miami Heat on Monday, leaving three days between games, which likely would have meant at least one rigorous practice with Brown at the helm.
    Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Truth, in this sense, is sought and rendered, something produced by rigorous inquiry and informed consideration rather than something discovered.
    Fergus McIntosh, The New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • High upfront costs, extensive operational requirements, and rigid structures often deter potential franchisees.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Policies that feel unnecessarily rigid—such as denying restroom access to paying members—could potentially push customers toward more flexible competitors.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But the flip side is also true: Nothing would be more harmful than letting the Small Business Deduction disappear at the end of the year.
    John E. Kelly Jr., Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2025
  • By staying true to her own experiences, her music naturally encourages others to embrace courage, authenticity, and a childlike sense of wonder—an organic process that defines the heart of her artistic contribution.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Florida threatens to lead the nation in state killings now because of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new law, the nation’s harshest, allowing as few as eight of 12 jurors to recommend execution instead of a unanimous verdict.
    Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Advocates and relatives describe harsh conditions in immigration detention.
    Dake Kang and Huizhong Wu, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • According to the Chicago Department of Public Health, both meet the technical requirements of the city’s Large Recycling Facility Rules (LRF), which were adopted in 2020 and are among the nation’s most stringent regulations for the protection of public health and the environment.
    Steve Joseph, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Nuclear material trafficking convictions are comparatively rare, given the industry’s stringent regulations.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • From general manager Kyle Davidson on down, the Blackhawks are always careful not to criticize Jones.
    Scott Powers, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
  • But be careful when scrolling, as the answers are at the end of the article.
    John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Yoon’s order faced fierce backlash from the public and lawmakers across the political spectrum, reviving painful memories of the country’s authoritarian past.
    Gawon Bae, CNN, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Yes, dollars circulated in authoritarian, murderous Syria because market goods did.
    John Tamny, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near strict

Cite this Entry

“Strict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strict. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

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