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
After rigorous testing, these eight items have consistently topped our editors' lists.
—
Jamie Hergenrader, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
All will undergo a rigorous performance evaluation in our simulator room, being trained and tested to the exact same standards used by the FAA Academy.
—Sharon Devivo, New York Daily News, 15 July 2025
The loss of trustworthiness in the rigorous and nonpartisan work of the Task Force would devastate patients, hospital systems, and payers as misinformation creates barriers to accessing lifesaving and cost effective care.
—ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
Before a potential controller can even step foot in the academy, there’s a rigorous application and qualification process.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Jamie Hergenrader, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
All will undergo a rigorous performance evaluation in our simulator room, being trained and tested to the exact same standards used by the FAA Academy.
—Sharon Devivo, New York Daily News, 15 July 2025
The loss of trustworthiness in the rigorous and nonpartisan work of the Task Force would devastate patients, hospital systems, and payers as misinformation creates barriers to accessing lifesaving and cost effective care.
—ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
Before a potential controller can even step foot in the academy, there’s a rigorous application and qualification process.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigorous
Adjective
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For example, in sales, if a customer wants a certain number of licenses but has a strict budget, an agent can help figure out the best deal by looking at things like license count, budget limits and different contract lengths (like one-, two- or three-year terms).—
Ian Gotts,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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That has meant more children facing immigration judges without lawyers, and stricter screening processes for releases from shelter custody that have prolonged stays to more than five months.—
Nicol León,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Those descriptors are accurate enough, as the band themselves have been upfront and proud about their influences: Lucinda Williams, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young, Bill Callahan, the Beatles.—
Leah Lu,
Rolling Stone,
15 July 2025
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Going back and researching, Gatiss learned this was accurate.—
Jenelle Riley,
Variety,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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Regardless of circumstance, obtaining the most stringent authentication could represent the difference between an item worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and one worth millions.—
Thomas H. Ruggie,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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Outrage has since grown in the wider student community, which has demanded more stringent action.—
Mithil Aggarwal,
NBC news,
17 July 2025
Adjective
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Ullmann is the daughter of the late Swedish director Ingmar Bergman and the Norwegian actor Liv Ullmann, and specifics of her childhood are not difficult to locate.—
Rachel Vorona Cote,
The Atlantic,
15 July 2025
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The project helped people in the industry see the potential for constructing larger structures in wood, which can be perceived as being difficult because of the rules around fire risk.—
Lucy Handley,
CNBC,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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The tougher policy changes are adding to the minors’ trauma, advocates say.—
Nicol León,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
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Stellantis' loss, versus a 5.6 billion euro net profit a year earlier, underscores the tough challenges for new CEO Antonio Filosa, who was appointed in May after a disastrous performance in the company's crucial U.S. market in 2024 forced the ouster of former boss Carlos Tavares.—
Giulio Piovaccari,
Freep.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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The switch-over will make the robots lighter and more damage-resistant, with more precise control over their movements.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Along with other adjustments made with tools like Photoshop, the end result is a shockingly precise view of the galaxy—the yellow mist around the spiral is actually tens of thousands of stars.—
Carlyn Kranking,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Points available at the stage’s finish vary based on a coefficient of difficulty: the more challenging the stage, the fewer points available.—
Sophie Kaufman,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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Besides the challenging business climate in Chicago, President Donald Trump’s tariffs are contributing to rising food costs, and his immigration crackdown threatens to disrupt the food-service workforce.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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Late-night talk shows across the board are facing the harsh reality that declines in ad revenue can’t make up for burgeoning production costs.—
Liam Reilly,
CNN Money,
22 July 2025
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The harsh reality is this: not all cell phone forensic extractions are created equal, and the most important evidence for trucking cases on the smartphone will be gone in days or weeks.—
Lars Daniel,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigorous. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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