rigorous
8 synonyms and 3 antonyms for rigorous, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Extremely thorough, careful, and exacting.
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 rigorous
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French rigoreus, from Late Latin rigōrōsus (\"stiff, inflexible\").
Full origin of rigorous →Frequently asked questions
What does “rigorous” mean?
The word “rigorous” means extremely thorough, careful, and exacting. In plain terms, very strict, thorough, and demanding — used for careful processes as well as harsh conditions.
How do you pronounce “rigorous”?
“Rigorous” is pronounced RIH-guh-ruhs (/ˈɹɪɡəɹəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “rigorous” in a sentence?
Here is “rigorous” used in a sentence: “The medication went through rigorous testing before release.”
What is another word for “rigorous”?
Words with a similar meaning to “rigorous” include painstaking, scrupulous and strict.
What is the opposite of “rigorous”?
The opposite of “rigorous” — its antonyms — are arbitrary, capricious and whimsical.
What part of speech is “rigorous”?
“Rigorous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “rigorous” come from?
The word “rigorous” comes from Late Latin. From Middle French rigoreus, from Late Latin rigōrōsus (\"stiff, inflexible\").
Is “rigorous” a common word?
“Rigorous” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "rigorous" and "rigid"?
"Rigorous" describes a process, method, or standard that is extremely thorough and exacting, such as a rigorous investigation. "Rigid" describes something inflexible or unwilling to change, which can be a negative trait rather than a mark of thoroughness.
Can "rigorous" describe a person, or only a process?
"Rigorous" most naturally describes methods, standards, training, or analysis, such as "rigorous testing," but it can extend to a person's approach or discipline, as in "a rigorous researcher." It is less commonly used to describe personality traits directly.
What is the difference between "rigorous" and "thorough"?
"Thorough" simply means complete and detailed, covering everything necessary. "Rigorous" adds a sense of strictness and exacting standards, implying the process leaves no room for error, as captured in its harsher secondary meaning of being severe.