rigorous

adjective

rig·​or·​ous ˈri-g(ə-)rəs How to pronounce rigorous (audio)
1
: manifesting, exercising, or favoring rigor : very strict
2
a
: marked by extremes of temperature or climate
b
3
: scrupulously accurate : precise
rigorously adverb
rigorousness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for rigorous

rigid, rigorous, strict, stringent mean extremely severe or stern.

rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.

stringent standards of admission

Examples of rigorous in a Sentence

rigorous enforcement of the rules a rigorous course of study We subjected the data to a rigorous analysis.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This is the product of a rigorous education that begins in the elementary school years, building on itself to the point of being an ongoing, lifelong commitment to self-development. Eli Amdur, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 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 Facing those challenges, top education officials moved to eliminate the elementary school at P.S. 76, and merge grades 6-8 with Mott Hall II, a nearby middle school that is adding a rigorous high school program. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rigorous

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rigorous was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigorous. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

rigorous

adjective
rig·​or·​ous ˈrig-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce rigorous (audio)
1
: very strict
2
: marked by great differences of temperature or climate
3
: very accurate
rigorously adverb
rigorousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on rigorous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!