RIGIDLY Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

rigidly

adverb

Definition of rigidly

as in strictly

without any relaxation of standards or precision the judge stuck rigidly to the letter of the law

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 rigidly Even though the category is rigidly defined, there are differences in style, cask finishes, alcohol content, and even mashbill to take into account when searching for this quintessentially American whiskey. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2026 Are the Norwegian authorities concerned for children’s safety — or are they offended by this family’s rigidly patriarchal beliefs, which include intolerance toward homosexuality? — Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 But the Arab Barometer’s findings staunchly contradict any view of Palestinian politics as rigidly ideological, committed to revenge, and supportive of violence. — Michael Robbins, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026 That’s why assuming that people who are suicidal are rigidly on that path to end their life isn’t always correct, Moutier added. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026 Security decisions made too rigidly can become difficult to accommodate when engineers modify systems later. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026 Starting in the nineteen-eighties, forms of identification as proof of citizenship became more rigidly required. — Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 The acting is passable, more or less, but dialogue is often rigidly expository or cliché or both. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026 Her rigidly unsentimental mother, however, sees only urban labor and profitably arranged marriage in her future. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rigidly

Adverb

Photography and video are strictly forbidden inside, although a photo opp is available.

— Hali Smith October 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 Oct. 2026
The rule wasn’t strictly enforced, of course, but her parents were trying to manage a household where one upset child could set off several others.

— Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of strictly

Adverb

Just be sure to check your plants carefully for pests, like scale, before bringing them back inside in fall.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 2026
Families with children should also check carefully that the kids meet the ride’s height and restraint requirements, which are designed to ensure that the safety equipment fits correctly.

— Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of carefully

Browse Nearby Words

rigidity

rigidly

rigidness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rigidly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rigidly. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of rigidly

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes