rigorous

[rig-er-uhs] / ˈrɪg ər əs /

ADJECTIVE

severe; exact

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accurate brutal burdensome correct exacting harsh meticulous onerous precise proper rigid scrupulous strict stringent uncompromising

WEAK

ascetic austere bitter definite dogmatic hard inclement inflexible intemperate ironhanded nice oppressive punctilious right rugged stern stiff unpermissive

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless false flexible gentle imprecise improper inaccurate incorrect inexact lenient negligent questionable soft tolerant unsuitable wrong yielding

WEAK

easygoing lax loose mild

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Olenick's group is demanding a more rigorous rulemaking process that takes direction from neuroscientists, climate scientists and education experts who can "really assess whether any of these tools belong in schools."

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Asked about the Vulcan deal being expedited, the Pentagon spokesperson said defense officials balance “lightning speed with rigorous diligence to close high-impact deals that directly strengthen America’s defense and empower our warfighters.”

From Salon • May 31, 2026

"And can we test this in a rigorous way so that we can really see this is affecting inflammation, versus just saying something is anti-inflammatory?"

From Science Daily • May 30, 2026

It was the development of a rigorous discipline for evaluating criteria of credibility.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

But a serious, rigorous, systematic search will come soon.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Vocabulary lists containing rigorous

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This Week in Words: September 25 - October 1, 2017

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