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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rigorous
Ramsay takes on the rigorous regimen just 10 months after a serious biking accident in Connecticut last June that left his ribs heavily bruised.
—
Erin Clements, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Nobility, artists, and politicians waltzed through its gilded salons, and her rigorous attention to detail made the hotel synonymous with Viennese excellence.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025
Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.
—Keagan Ostop, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
Although seeking refugee protection might come to mind, qualifying for refugee protection involves a complex, rigorous process that involves meeting a multi-pronged legal test.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Erin Clements, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Nobility, artists, and politicians waltzed through its gilded salons, and her rigorous attention to detail made the hotel synonymous with Viennese excellence.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025
Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.
—Keagan Ostop, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
Although seeking refugee protection might come to mind, qualifying for refugee protection involves a complex, rigorous process that involves meeting a multi-pronged legal test.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
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The Portuguese manager built his success by adhering to a strict 3-4-3 system at Sporting Lisbon.—
Brett Koremenos,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
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Known for his Marian devotion—which encourages piety and seeks the intercession of the Virgin Mary—and strict doctrinal stances, he is viewed as a potential challenger to Parolin, especially in early voting rounds and has odds of 7/1.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Emily DeLetter,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Retailers often struggle with data silos, inconsistent quality, and integration issues, Sheridan says, which complicate accurate analysis in addition to concerns around consumer privacy.—
Kiri Masters,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Computer vision technologies can identify defects and ensure that parts meet stringent aerospace standards.—
Kathleen Walch,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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The bill, which passed by a 46-1 vote with one abstention, blocks helicopters that don’t meet the most stringent Federal Aviation Administration noise standards from flying out of the main Manhattan heliports in Midtown and near Wall St., beginning in 2029.—
Evan Simko-Bednarski,
New York Daily News,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The transition can be extremely difficult for some.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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The longer-term outlook for Apple looks increasingly difficult to navigate, according to Bank of America.—
Brian Evans,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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There’s symbolism there—all that tough, hard-to-crack shell hiding a shining pearl—that lends itself well to a tattoo.—
Leah Prinzivalli,
Allure,
28 Apr. 2025
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Novak has quietly become the best and toughest story on tour.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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How To Translate Old-Fashioned Measurements Since measurements weren’t standardized, old-fashioned recipes often relied on household items instead of precise measuring tools.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
24 Apr. 2025
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But researchers also determined a precise mixture of extra ingredients to give their faux-calamari its familiar textural springiness.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Preserving that right to choose is what will help the Maryland economy flourish and grow during economically challenging times.—
Albert R. Wynn,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2025
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This is likely due to high interest rates and a challenging inflationary environment.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Vietnamese refugees who got a warm welcome from America puzzle at family separations, harsh rhetoric In Vietnam, Lam had owned three companies.—
Anh Do,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2025
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President Donald Trump has launched harsh immigration actions in his first 100 days in office—detaining more people for immigration violations, allowing arrests outside schools and courthouses, and sending more than 200 Venezuelan men to be imprisoned in El Salvador.—
Brian Bennett,
Time,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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