STRICT Synonyms: 147 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

strict

adjective

ˈstrikt

Definition of strict next

as in accurate

following an original exactly not a strict translation, because a lot of the humor is in the wordplay

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rigorous

given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint that piano teacher is notoriously strict, but students make great strides under her tutelage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rigid

not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards on a strict diet strict adherence to the letter of the law

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 government departments tightly control who may install and use the app on office machines because there are strict rules and laws about the security of federal data, the two Labor Department employees said. —

David Ingram, NBC News, 13 Feb. 2025 Related Articles Woman found deceased at East Bay homeless encampment San Jose will open its largest interim housing site this month Fremont’s new homeless camp ban is among the toughest in California Fremont’s homeless camp ban would be the strictest in the Bay Area. —

Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025 The lack of a strict deadline also leaves open the possibility that some foreign countries will come to the table to negotiate lower tariffs and Trump will call off some or all of his reciprocal import taxes. —

David Goldman and Matt Egan, CNN, 13 Feb. 2025 The best online support groups aim to replicate the same features of traditional, in-person support groups: a safe, non-judgmental environment, confidentiality and strict privacy rules, and some level of facilitation to avoid abusive interactions and the spread of misinformation. —

Melissa Bronstein, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for strict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for strict

Adjective

The 4-foot-diameter (1.2-meter-diameter) telescope’s primary goal is to observe dark matter and dark energy and to create the largest and most accurate three-dimensional map of the universe.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
Forecasts have to take the changing climate into account to be accurate, no matter who is creating the forecast.

— Christine Wiedinmyer, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025