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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

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 strict But in fact, some parents warn against helicopter parenting, and strict parenting can actually result in more rebellious kids. ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 13 Mar. 2025 Under the Biden administration, the standards grew stricter over time with rules designed to accelerate a transition to EVs. Camila Domonoske, NPR, 12 Mar. 2025 The post office is governed by strict federal laws on mail’s privacy which could potentially have made the postal service a haven for activists and marginalized people to communicate safely. Sarah Prager, JSTOR Daily, 12 Mar. 2025 The World Meteorological Organization, based in Geneva, chooses hurricane names several years in advance, based on strict criteria. Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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
Adjective
  • Professional gamers adhere to rigorous schedules to refine their craft.
    Adam Rumanek, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2025
  • State Department officials interview applicants and submit them to a rigorous screening that includes an FBI background check.
    Tazreena Sajjad, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Candidates overly focused on titles, rigid job descriptions, or chain of command may struggle in a fast-changing environment.
    Abdo Riani, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Characteristics include rigid food choices, meticulous planning and a focus on food as a source of health rather than pleasure.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • More than ever before, women feel the freedom to explore and embrace their true desires without fear of societal rejection.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Because true wealth isn’t just accumulated—it’s activated.
    Tim Maurer, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Each of our pieces is a symbol of resilience, proving that creativity can thrive even under the harshest circumstances.
    Gemma A. Williams, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The Patriots are paying for potential more than immediate production, so the F grade feels harsh.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Transparency is crucial as well as regular audits and compliance with regulations, including the GDPR and CCPA, will be important to ensure that customers' data are properly handled and the most stringent ethical standards are upheld.
    Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Due to this year’s more stringent requirements, there were fewer applications and there was a net loss of 80 châteaus from the 250 in 2020.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • These concerns underscore the need for careful consideration of privacy rights when deploying such technology.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Rendering animal fat requires careful heating and purification to remove impurities.
    Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • They are also seen as sharing a joint interest in diminishing the role of the U.S. and other liberal democracies in determining world events in favor of their own highly authoritarian systems.
    Christopher Bodeen, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
  • In this way, democratic parenting is markedly different from both permissive parenting and authoritarian parenting.
    Miranda Rake, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strict. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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