strict

adjective

ˈstrikt How to pronounce strict (audio)
Synonyms of strictnext
1
a
: stringent in requirement or control
under strict orders
b
: severe in discipline
a strict teacher
2
a
: inflexibly maintained or adhered to
strict secrecy
b
: rigorously conforming to principle or a norm or condition
3
: exact, precise
in the strict sense of the word
4
: of narrow erect habit of growth
a strict inflorescence
5
archaic
a
: tight, close
also : intimate
b
: narrow
strictly
ˈstrik(t)-lē How to pronounce strict (audio)
adverb
strictness
ˈstrik(t)-nəs How to pronounce strict (audio)
noun

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for strict

rigid, rigorous, strict, stringent mean extremely severe or stern.

rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.

stringent standards of admission

Examples of strict in a Sentence

Her parents aren't very strict. He insists on strict adherence to the rules.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
About half of states have laws targeting transgender health care, but Tennessee’s is among the strictest. —Ian Millhiser, Vox, 15 Nov. 2024 Many welcome Trump’s more strict immigration policy. —Kristen Taketa, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024 He’s promised to enact even stricter border policies if elected, including mass arrests and deportations of undocumented migrants. —Sara Dorn, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 McCormick wants to tamp down on inflation, and he's called for stricter immigration policies. —Alexa Mencia, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for strict 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stricte, from Latin strictus, from past participle of stringere to bind tight — more at strain

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Time Traveler
The first known use of strict was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing strict

Dictionary Entries Near strict

strickle

strict

strict constructionist

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Strict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strict. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

strict

adjective
ˈstrikt How to pronounce strict (audio)
1
: permitting no avoidance or escape
under strict orders
2
a
: kept with great care : absolute
strict secrecy
b
: carefully obeying rules or a code of conduct
3
: completely correct : exact, precise
in the strict meaning of the word
strictly
ˈstrik-(t)lē How to pronounce strict (audio)
adverb
strictness
ˈstrik(t)-nəs How to pronounce strict (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

strict

adjective
1
: characterized by narrowness : not demonstrating a broad or liberal view
strict interpretation
2
a
: firm or rigid in requirement or control
b
: severe in discipline
3
a
: inflexibly maintained or adhered to
b
: rigorously conforming to a principle or norm or condition
a strict bill of interpleader
4
: not requiring fault see also strict liability at liability sense 2b
strictly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on strict

Nglish: Translation of strict for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of strict for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See All

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See All

Popular in Wordplay

See All

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

10 Scrabble Words Without Any Vowels
See All

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
little chihuahua dressing like a turkey for thanksgiving
Giving Thanks Quiz Decide which words express gratitude and which gi...