rigid
9 synonyms and 1 antonym for rigid, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Stiff and not easily bent.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use rigid
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
rigid structure
rigid rules
rigid discipline
Etymology
From Latin rigidus (\"stiff\"), from rigeō (\"to be stiff\").
Full origin of rigid →Frequently asked questions
What does “rigid” mean?
The word “rigid” means stiff and not easily bent. In plain terms, physically stiff, or figuratively inflexible in attitude or rules.
How do you pronounce “rigid”?
“Rigid” is pronounced RIHJ-ihd (/ˈɹɪd͡ʒ.ɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “rigid” in a sentence?
Here is “rigid” used in a sentence: “The frame is made of rigid steel tubing.”
What is another word for “rigid”?
Words with a similar meaning to “rigid” include Zeppelin.
What part of speech is “rigid”?
“Rigid” is an adjective.
Where does the word “rigid” come from?
The word “rigid” comes from Latin. From Latin rigidus (\"stiff\"), from rigeō (\"to be stiff\").
Is “rigid” a common word?
“Rigid” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “rigid” have?
“Rigid” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: stiff and not easily bent.
What is the difference between rigid and stiff?
Rigid and stiff both describe something that is not easily bent, but rigid more strongly implies a complete inability to bend or flex. Rigid is also commonly used figuratively for people or rules that are unwilling to change, a sense stiff shares less often.
What is the difference between rigid and strict?
Rigid describes behaviour or rules that are inflexible and resistant to any change. Strict emphasizes firm enforcement of rules, while rigid emphasizes an unwillingness to adapt or bend at all.
Can rigid describe both people and objects?
Yes. Rigid can describe a physical object that is stiff and does not bend, and it can also describe a person's behaviour when they are strict and inflexible about rules or habits.
