rigorous

adjective

ˈri-g(ə-)rəs How to pronounce rigorous (audio)
Definition of rigorousnext
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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2
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy a rigorous analysis of the data

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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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Synonym Chooser

How is the word rigorous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of rigorous are rigid, strict, and stringent. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

When can rigid be used instead of rigorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to rigorous, rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

When would strict be a good substitute for rigorous?

Although the words strict and rigorous have much in common, strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

When might stringent be a better fit than rigorous?

The synonyms stringent and rigorous are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 rigorous Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of financial products. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2025 Explosives Detection Canine Handlers and their dogs undergo rigorous training to detect explosives at airports. — Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025 Most labs are not doing such rigorous studies, and most companies use commercial tests that aren’t as well-validated as the one used in his research, Scott says. — Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025 His commitment to remaining honest results in some bracing scenes — ones that don’t necessarily clarify what went on but play like rigorous self-interrogations along the whole spectrum of heartbreak, loss, resentment, and infatuation. — Ryan Leas, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
  1. strict
  2. accurate
  3. stringent
  4. difficult
  5. tough
  6. precise
  7. challenging
  8. harsh
Adjective
  • However, the movie’s framing has widespread contemporary resonance, and an enormous overlap with how trans issues are discussed, particularly in how individuals who deviate from strict gender norms are so readily demonized by others.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Some of these laws, OpenAI warned, are modeled after strict European Union laws that OpenAI claimed the federal government should reject replicating due to alleged limits on innovation.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of strict
Adjective
  • Disaster-prone California has regulations that try to help ensure replacement values are accurate.
    — Ron Lieber, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Tips for Pap Smear Preparation on Your Period Cervical cancer screening, like any lab test, is not always 100% accurate, and certain factors can affect accuracy and comfort during the exam.
    — Khadeja Haye, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of accurate
Adjective
  • The nearly $4 billion project is central to Hong Kong’s efforts to revive its economy and international image, following years of stringent pandemic restrictions and a sweeping national security crackdown that fueled an exodus of foreign workers, local professionals and global companies.
    — Andrew McNicol, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025
  • These loans bring with them stringent requirements, and part of the fallout has been a steeply plummeting currency.
    — Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of stringent
Adjective
  • As college sports continues its rapid professionalization, the ACC is in a difficult spot.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Most of the files are scans of documents, and some are blurred or have become faint or difficult to read in the decades since Kennedy's assassination.
    — Joel Shannon, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • The opening weekend miss for what was a very buzzy Sundance title back in 2023 about a troubled but ambitious bodybuilder follows controversy around its star and comes at a tough time for indie films in general.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2025
  • As long as Flagg is on the floor, the Blue Devils will be a tough out.
    — Tobias Bass, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • At her best, Gaga has all the wit, humor, and precise emotional control of the great jazz vocalists.
    — Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Inference models now have the capability to process at much greater scale, leading to more precise actions and greater volume, which in turn leads to higher-value use cases.
    — Jason Andersen, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of precise
Adjective
  • Join 27 others in the comments View Comments The more surgeries that are performed over a lifetime, the higher potential there is for traumatized tissue, Dr. Truesdale added, noting that revision operations are inherently more challenging.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025
  • In interviews, leaders of Kansas City cultural institutions emphasized that IMLS plays a crucial role in funding projects and needs that can sometimes be challenging to fundraise privately.
    — Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of challenging
Adjective
  • Nestled within denser parts of the clouds, the water would have been protected from being destroyed by harsh radiation from nearby stars, Latif said.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Smith isn’t alone in that sentiment, as other analysts and critics have shared his harsh review of Bronny’s performance in the NBA.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of harsh

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Cite this Entry

“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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