Synonym Chooser

How is the word stringent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of stringent are rigid, rigorous, and strict. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.

stringent standards of admission

Where would rigid be a reasonable alternative to stringent?

The synonyms rigid and stringent are sometimes interchangeable, but rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

When might rigorous be a better fit than stringent?

While the synonyms rigorous and stringent are close in meaning, rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

When could strict be used to replace stringent?

Although the words strict and stringent have much in common, strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

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 stringent This supports meeting stringent regulatory requirements like HIPAA, GDPR, CMMC and PCI-DSS, even for AI/ML workloads with highly sensitive datasets. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 Instead of dictating stringent requirements to contractors and purchasing the satellites outright, the Space Force will levy fewer requirements and select a commercial company to develop the next generation of GSSAP satellites. ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025 The company sets stringent, but achievable, environmental and social criteria that drive meaningful change. Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 19 May 2025 Starting the clock in 1980 is rhetorically convenient because inequality was then unusually low, following decades of steep taxation and stringent regulation that had dampened entrepreneurship and curtailed many ambitious career paths. Daniel Waldenstrom, Foreign Affairs, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for stringent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stringent
Adjective
  • Under the measure's broad scope and strict distance limits, few areas in Ohio would remain open to such purchases.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
  • Revolutionary fervor and strict moral codes reshaped film, censoring depictions of gender, modern lifestyles, and social realities.
    Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Bee has a rigorous policy relating to requests for anonymity.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025
  • Hall, a former college football player, is quite the athlete and also gives fans a look into his rigorous workout regimen, which Khaled joined him for.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stringent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stringent. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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