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 To attempt to bring the same rigor of writing to video, even if that seems impossible. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 25 Aug. 2026 Skeptics raise concerns about the rigor of data on its ability to effectively treat cancer, the rate of side effects, and the outcomes of each of the technologies. — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026 Leading manufacturers will treat data quality with the same rigor applied to financial controls, quality systems and safety programs. — Claudio Laterreur, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 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 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
  • Miley told People at the time that music is how the two have always stayed bonded, even amid family hardships.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Having already weathered so many attacks aimed at diminishing its power, the remaining Iranian leadership, which learned to tolerate hardship in the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, is unlikely to be cowed by further aggression.
    — JAMES F. JEFFREY, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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