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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rigorous
Each participant went through a rigorous selection process and was ultimately selected from 20 finalists who met with a final selection committee.
—
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2025
Cassidy’s professed belief in Kennedy’s leadership offers a soothing vision: Imagine Americans whose views on the public-health establishment have been deeply eroded over time, all with their faith restored in one of the world’s most rigorous scientific institutions thanks to a radical outsider.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2025
On iOS, the malware is often embedded within apps that initially pass Apple’s rigorous review process but later introduce harmful functionality through updates.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 13 Feb. 2025
The Trump administration’s effort to end DEI programs is really an attack on decades of efforts by the federal government to make good on the promise of America: to engage in rigorous nondiscrimination efforts and open up opportunities for all.
—Philip Klinkner, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2025
Cassidy’s professed belief in Kennedy’s leadership offers a soothing vision: Imagine Americans whose views on the public-health establishment have been deeply eroded over time, all with their faith restored in one of the world’s most rigorous scientific institutions thanks to a radical outsider.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2025
On iOS, the malware is often embedded within apps that initially pass Apple’s rigorous review process but later introduce harmful functionality through updates.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 13 Feb. 2025
The Trump administration’s effort to end DEI programs is really an attack on decades of efforts by the federal government to make good on the promise of America: to engage in rigorous nondiscrimination efforts and open up opportunities for all.
—Philip Klinkner, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
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The state, through the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), mandates that health care facilities meet strict seismic safety standards.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
16 Feb. 2025
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Congress can revise eligibility for welfare benefits and impose stricter time limits, alleviating the cost to taxpayers and reducing incentives to enter the country illegally.—
Betsy McCaughey,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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After her mother’s death, Sevilla-Bazan struggled to get an accurate sense from Bishop or his followers of what exactly happened.—
David Peisner,
Rolling Stone,
23 Feb. 2025
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Villa’s left-back then tries to find Watkins, but his cross isn’t accurate.—
Ahmed Walid,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Consider that rolling back just one large-scale rule—Biden’s stringent tailpipe emissions standards for vehicles—could, by government estimates, save $870 billion.—
James Broughel,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
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Look for platforms that have stringent review processes and understand how to check for quality academic and research writing, methodological consistency, argument coherence, and correct attribution and citation.—
Rowan Briggs,
The Mercury News,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Stars of Durant’s stature can be notoriously difficult to pin down for interviews.—
Darnell Mayberry,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
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But breaking with Russian gas has been difficult for Austria, which until recently was one of a handful of European countries to keep importing the fuel by pipeline.—
Stanley Reed,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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This all adds up to a tough investment outlook for any business looking at Ukraine’s mineral supply.—
Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
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How to Bet Timberwolves vs. Lakers Following up a game like Tuesday's would be tough for the Wolves under any circumstances, but with Edwards battling a calf injury and DiVincenzo potentially sidelined, beating the Lakers in L.A. will be that much more difficult.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The final stretches of the race saw Friesen almost clinching victory, only for Busch to secure the win with a precise side draft.—
Mark Joseph,
Newsweek,
23 Feb. 2025
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Redick seemed to have Doncic with the ball in his hands more than previous games, and Doncic used these touches to bludgeon this Nuggets defense repeatedly with precise shooting and strong finishing.—
Mikai Bruce,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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This can be a challenging variable to track, given that there were insufficient details about the victim's mental health status in approximately 30% of incidents, Rad said.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA TODAY,
27 Feb. 2025
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Builders are facing a challenging market with mixed economic signals.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Her lyric vocal writing contends with harsh reality, but her style is never far from profound rapture.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2025
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Unlike Western cleansers, which often rely on harsh surfactants or astringent ingredients, Korean ones maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and natural pH balance, says Cho.—
Denise Primbet,
Glamour,
28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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