rigor

noun

ˈri-gər How to pronounce rigor (audio)
Definition of rigornext
1
as in hardship
something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal hard-bitten folk who survived many rigors on the way to the promised land

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in severity
the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism) after being coddled by his former coach, the swimmer was shocked by the rigor of the new training program

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in accuracy
the quality or state of being very accurate said that she had heard that excuse a million times, but then she was never known for the rigor of her calculations

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rigor The academic rigor and staff support from the beginning of high school weighed into the decision to go with Northside, Shearn said. — Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 Some education experts see the move as another step in diminishing the rigor that gives higher education its value. — Ira Porter, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Aug. 2026 That’s a problem, because the Scope 2 guidelines don’t provide the accounting-class rigor that rules and regulations require. — Mike Feibus, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 As the rigors of life under the big tent became too much, Danch gravitated toward wine. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rigor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigor
  1. hardship
  2. severity
  3. accuracy
  4. difficulty
  5. precision
  6. perfection
Noun
  • Ask yourself if waiting would cause a practical problem (like not having transportation) or additional financial hardship (like high-interest credit card debt).
    — Dan Avery, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Other exemptions are offered to students who are 21 or older, have a medical condition or disability that cannot be accommodated on campus, married or are a parent, face financial hardship, or are active-duty members of the armed forces or veterans.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of hardship
Noun
  • Tyreke Smith had a good month, but the severity of his hamstring injury could make Harris’ path cleaner.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Some recalls, Eskin said, are made after companies’ routine testing catches a pathogen before anyone gets sick, while others involve outbreaks that are already underway and vary widely in size and severity.
    — Dian Zhang, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of severity
Noun
  • Unilever’s reported forecast-accuracy gain and a faster acquisition screen are operational improvements.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The finding could matter for quantum computers, where lasers are used to manipulate qubits and even tiny changes in their interactions can affect the accuracy of quantum operations.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of accuracy
Noun
  • However, there were signs of the difficulties clubs faced in concluding their business by 7pm.
    — Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • More concerning memory problems may involve difficulty retaining new information in the first place, like repeatedly asking a question without remembering the answer.
    — Danielle Zickl, HEALTH, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of difficulty
Noun
  • Some help surgeons operate with greater precision, while others disinfect rooms, transport supplies, assist patients during rehabilitation, or provide comfort to people who are distressed.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Earl showed precision with both short and deep balls, like on successive 45-yard scoring tosses.
    — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of precision
Noun
  • For a century, the Michelin star has been synonymous with culinary ambition and the pursuit of perfection.
    — Carinne Geil Botta, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • After all, homemade meals with good company are a recipe for perfection.
    — Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of perfection

Browse Nearby Words

rigmarole
rigor
rigorous
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Cite this Entry

“Rigor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigor. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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