rigid

adjective
rig·​id | \ ˈri-jəd How to pronounce rigid (audio) \

Definition of rigid

1a : deficient in or devoid of flexibility rigid price controls a rigid bar of metal
b : appearing stiff and unyielding his face rigid with pain
2a : inflexibly set in opinion
b : strictly observed adheres to a rigid schedule
3 : firmly inflexible rather than lax or indulgent a rigid disciplinarian
4 : precise and accurate in procedure rigid control of the manufacturing process
5 of an airship : having the outer shape maintained by a fixed framework

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Other Words from rigid

rigidly adverb
rigidness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for rigid

rigid, rigorous, strict, stringent mean extremely severe or stern. rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility. rigid rules of conduct rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty. the rigorous training of recruits strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements. strict enforcement of the law stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation. stringent standards of admission

synonyms see in addition stiff

Examples of rigid in a Sentence

The patient's legs were rigid. He is a rigid disciplinarian.

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike other state agencies, the Department of Youth Services is not required to follow a rigid state lawmaking code known as the State Administrative Procedure Act, the ombudsman wrote. — Sam Tabachnik, The Denver Post, "Colorado youth correctional facilities’ method of restraining juveniles developed without oversight, report finds," 21 Aug. 2019 And despite Virgo’s reputedly rigid nature, de Castellane encourages a looser approach to picking an occasion to enjoy her designs. — Vanessa Lawrence, ELLE Decor, "Dior‘s New Tabletop Collection Is Fit for a Virgo," 9 Aug. 2019 Gone are the days of staid rows of rigid, single desks. — Arika Herron, Indianapolis Star, "A slide, solar panels and tons of natural light: Peek inside the coolest new elementary school," 6 Aug. 2019 That’s when requirements went from a rigid 180 days to requiring 1,080 instructional hours. — al, "Alabama voters want longer summers, survey says," 5 Aug. 2019 The stories Bockstoce tells from before the communist takeover serve to remind readers that trade had long been the norm across the Strait, and that peaceful commerce could have grown from it, had not rigid ideology been shoved in its way. — David James, Anchorage Daily News, "In the early 20th century, Arctic fox fur was all the rage. The impact in Alaska was immense.," 20 July 2019 But of course, there’s far more at stake in Season 2 than conforming to the rigid standards of judgey Monterey moms. — oregonlive.com, "‘Big Little Lies’ returns: Meryl Streep and a superb cast make Season 2 deliciously watchable," 5 June 2019 Garage’s cheeks would inflate and his face turned red, like a balloon atop his tiny, rigid body. — Los Angeles Times, "Column One: He’d been kept alive with tubes for nearly 17 years. Who is he, and is it possible he’s conscious?," 1 Aug. 2019 For August will mark the end of the line for those White House dreamers who fail to meet the DNC’s rigid rules for debating in September. — Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, "The Democratic Party Is Culling the Field Too Soon," 1 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rigid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of rigid

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for rigid

Middle English rigide, from Latin rigidus, from rigēre to be stiff

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More Definitions for rigid

rigid

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of rigid

: not able to be bent easily
: not easily changed
: not willing to change opinions or behavior

rigid

adjective
rig·​id | \ ˈri-jəd How to pronounce rigid (audio) \

Kids Definition of rigid

1 : not flexible : stiff rigid plastic
2 : strict sense 2, severe rigid discipline

Other Words from rigid

rigidly adverb

rigid

adjective
rig·​id | \ ˈrij-əd How to pronounce rigid (audio) \

Medical Definition of rigid