rigid

[rij-id] / ˈrɪdʒ ɪd /

ADJECTIVE

stiff, strict, severe

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adamant austere definite exact fixed hard-line harsh inflexible intransigent rigorous solid stern stringent uncompromising unyielding

WEAK

adamantine bullheaded changeless chiseled dead set determined firm hard incompliant inelastic inexorable invariable locked-in obdurate set set in stone single-minded static strait-laced unalterable unbending unbreakable unchanging undeviating unmoving unpermissive unrelenting

Antonyms

STRONGEST

broken easy flexible gentle imprecise indefinite inexact irresolute lenient mild pliant soft tolerant unfixed unreliable willing yielding

WEAK

bending limber pliable

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.

Much of the criticism was aimed at Eriksson – his rigid system, which did not make the most of his talented players, his conservative tactics and the celebrity culture around the team and their partners.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

The cooperation between our human ancestors may have been more flexible, without rigid rules about who was allowed to reproduce.

From Slate • May 10, 2026

There are rigid rules and nuances when it comes to using a QCD, however, so attention to detail is a must.

From Barron's • May 9, 2026

For a club that was once synonymous with free-jazz soccer, Arteta’s rigid structure, suffocating defense, and focus on scoring from set pieces leaves plenty of outsiders cold.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Not exactly, but there was a scariness to her; she represented a rigid kind of authority I hadn’t yet encountered elsewhere.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Vocabulary lists containing rigid

The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 6

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The Cay

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