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.

"I have never seen such a rigorous review process," Lutz said.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

In Canada gun ownership is regulated by laws that require would-be gun owners to obtain a licence by passing a safety course and rigorous background checks before they can purchase a firearm.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Managers with experienced investment teams, rigorous underwriting standards and strong risk controls are structurally better positioned to navigate periods of stress.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

“This rigorous approach just hasn’t been taken with VSELs. I find the work mystifying and lacking in rigor,” he said.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

But one of the things that Van Riper taught me was that being able to act intelligently and instinctively in the moment is possible only after a long and rigorous course of education and experience.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell

rigorous

Example Sentences

Related Words