strict
adjective
ˈstrikt 
1
a
: stringent in requirement or control
under strict orders
b
: severe in discipline
a strict teacher
2
a
: inflexibly maintained or adhered to
strict secrecy
b
: rigorously conforming to principle or a norm or condition
3
: exact, precise
in the strict sense of the word
4
: of narrow erect habit of growth
a strict inflorescence
5
archaic
a
: tight, close
also : intimate
b
: narrow
strictly
ˈstrik(t)-lē
adverb strictness
ˈstrik(t)-nəs
noun 
Synonyms
- accurate
- authentic
- exact
- faithful
- precise
- right
- true
- veracious
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Her parents aren't very strict. He insists on strict adherence to the rules.
Recent Examples on the Web The reasons China won’t budge from its strict COVID controls lie deep within the workings of the Chinese Communist Party, especially under its current boss, President Xi Jinping. 
Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2022 The Army follows a strict procedure for notifying the next of kin of casualties, and always sends a uniformed officer to deliver the bad news in person. Seth Harp, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2022 But the coin’s volatility has spooked users, and cryptocurrency has seen broader acceptance in countries with poor payment networks or strict currency controls, such as Argentina, Venezuela and Cuba, Acevedo said. Michael Mcdonald, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2022 One problem is that China, the largest source of visitors to Japan before the pandemic, still maintains strict border controls and there are no clear signs of when its zero-Covid policy will end. Jacky Wong, WSJ, 1 Sep. 2022 The legislation wouldn't shut down the more than 28,000 existing wells in that zone, but would require them to meet strict pollution controls. Kathleen Ronayne, ajc, 1 Sep. 2022 The legislation wouldn't shut down the more than 28,000 existing wells in that zone, but would require them to meet strict pollution controls. Kathleen Ronayne, USA TODAY, 1 Sep. 2022 Within six months of taking office, Gov. Lamont installed new leadership and created strict controls to further improve accountability and transparency. ... Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2022 Much like the assembly line, repetitive tasks canconstrain those doing them to follow a strict procedure in the name of efficiency. Shayne Skaff, Forbes, 24 June 2022 See More
Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2022 The Army follows a strict procedure for notifying the next of kin of casualties, and always sends a uniformed officer to deliver the bad news in person. Seth Harp, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2022 But the coin’s volatility has spooked users, and cryptocurrency has seen broader acceptance in countries with poor payment networks or strict currency controls, such as Argentina, Venezuela and Cuba, Acevedo said. Michael Mcdonald, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2022 One problem is that China, the largest source of visitors to Japan before the pandemic, still maintains strict border controls and there are no clear signs of when its zero-Covid policy will end. Jacky Wong, WSJ, 1 Sep. 2022 The legislation wouldn't shut down the more than 28,000 existing wells in that zone, but would require them to meet strict pollution controls. Kathleen Ronayne, ajc, 1 Sep. 2022 The legislation wouldn't shut down the more than 28,000 existing wells in that zone, but would require them to meet strict pollution controls. Kathleen Ronayne, USA TODAY, 1 Sep. 2022 Within six months of taking office, Gov. Lamont installed new leadership and created strict controls to further improve accountability and transparency. ... Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2022 Much like the assembly line, repetitive tasks canconstrain those doing them to follow a strict procedure in the name of efficiency. Shayne Skaff, Forbes, 24 June 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English stricte, from Latin strictus, from past participle of stringere to bind tight — more at strain
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5
Phrases Containing strict
Kids Definition
strict
adjective
ˈstrikt
stricter; strictest
1
: not to be avoided or ignored : requiring obedience
strict orders
2
: strongly enforcing rules and discipline
a strict coach
3
: kept with great care : absolute
strict secrecy
4
: carefully observing something (as a rule or principle)
a strict vegetarian
5
: exact entry 1, precise
the strict sense of a word
Legal Definition
strict
adjective
1
: characterized by narrowness : not demonstrating a broad or liberal view
strict interpretation
2
a
: firm or rigid in requirement or control
b
: severe in discipline
3
a
: inflexibly maintained or adhered to
b
: rigorously conforming to a principle or norm or condition
a strict bill of interpleader
4
: not requiring fault see also strict liability at liability sense 2b
strict
adjective
1
as in accurate
following an original exactly not a strict translation, because a lot of the humor is in the wordplay Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- accurate
- careful
- true
- precise
- exact
- authentic
- faithful
- meticulous
- realistic
- right
- authoritative
- conscientious
- scrupulous
- veracious
- real
- punctilious
- genuine
- bona fide
- lifelike
- veridical
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- loose
- false
- imprecise
- inexact
- inaccurate
- careless
- unfaithful
- slovenly
- slack
- corrupted
- erroneous
- slipshod
- corrupt
- wrong
- inauthentic
- off
- incorrect
- unsound
- invalid
- untrue
- untruthful
2
as in rigorous
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint that piano teacher is notoriously strict, but students make great strides under her tutelage Synonyms & Similar Words
- rigorous
- rigid
- authoritarian
- harsh
- tough
- stern
- severe
- hard
- austere
- relentless
- merciless
- hardened
- gruff
- demanding
- steadfast
- flinty
- relentless
- heavy-handed
- ramrod
- exacting
- adamant
- unbending
- determined
- inflexible
- uncompromising
- ascetic
- stiff
- unforgiving
- unyielding
- unrelenting
- dour
- monastic
- implacable
- pitiless
- bullying
- monkish
- hard-line
- callous
- unsparing
- immovable
- adamantine
- firm
- uncharitable
- ossified
- unflinching
- dogged
- obstinate
- resolved
- ascetical
- browbeating
- rock-ribbed
- single-minded
- hard-hearted
- intractable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- lax
- lenient
- gentle
- tolerant
- easy
- indulgent
- kind
- mild
- forbearing
- easygoing
- patient
- clement
- soft
- undemanding
- charitable
- merciful
- accepting
- willing
- softhearted
- yielding
- flexible
- compliant
- compromising
- laid-back
- responsive
- amenable
- agreeable
- complaisant
- pliant
- acquiescent
- pliable
3
as in rigid
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards on a strict diet strict adherence to the letter of the law Synonyms & Similar Words
- rigorous
- rigid
- stringent
- exacting
- meticulous
- steadfast
- conscientious
- adamant
- uncompromising
- inflexible
- close
- hard-line
- exact
- stubborn
- relentless
- tough
- determined
- scrupulous
- brassbound
- harsh
- cast-iron
- punctilious
- severe
- painstaking
- unbending
- undeviating
- firm
- stern
- resolved
- hard
- fussy
- dogged
- demanding
- unflinching
- tenacious
- hardened
- adamantine
- unrelenting
- austere
- unyielding
- implacable
- grim
- immovable
- single-minded
- unsparing
- ironbound
- flinty
- unappeasable
- hard-hearted
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- lax
- flexible
- loose
- relaxed
- compliant
- slack
- lenient
- gentle
- mild
- easy
- yielding
- pliant
- tolerant
- acquiescent
- pliable
- soft
- indulgent
- merciful
- easygoing
- kindly
- negligent
- compromising
- sloppy
- neglectful
- slipshod
- slovenly
- relenting
- remiss
- spoiling
- pampering
- unfussy
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of strict are rigid, rigorous, and stringent. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.
strict enforcement of the law
The synonyms rigid and strict are sometimes interchangeable, but rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.
rigid rules of conduct
The words rigorous and strict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.
the rigorous training of recruits
Although the words stringent and strict have much in common, stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.
stringent standards of admission