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strict

adjective
\ ˈstrikt How to pronounce strict (audio) \

Definition of strict

1a : stringent in requirement or control under strict orders
b : severe in discipline a strict teacher
2a : 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
Other Words from strict Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about strict

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Other Words from strict

strictly \ ˈstrik(t)-​lÄ“ How to pronounce strictly (audio) \ adverb
strictness \ ˈstrik(t)-​nÉ™s How to pronounce strictness (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for strict

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

Examples of strict in a Sentence

Her parents aren't very strict. He insists on strict adherence to the rules.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Santa Clara County’s policies are stricter and no notifications are made. — Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, "Serial rape suspect arrested; allegedly targeted San Jose sex workers," 30 Aug. 2019 Jamaica’s own gun laws are relatively strict, with fewer than 45,000 legal firearms in a country of almost three million. — Azam Ahmed, New York Times, "One Handgun, 9 Murders: How American Firearms Cause Carnage Abroad," 25 Aug. 2019 Gibraltar rejected a last-minute attempt by the U.S. to seize the oil tanker again, arguing that EU regulations are less strict than U.S. sanctions on Iran. — Fox News, "Greece vows to refuse aid to Iranian oil tanker eye'd by US," 22 Aug. 2019 Gibraltar authorities rejected attempts by the U.S. to seize the Adrian Darya 1, arguing that EU regulations are less strict than U.S. sanctions on Iran. — Washington Post, "Greece says it won’t assist Iranian tanker sought by US," 21 Aug. 2019 Although New Zealand approved crypto as compensation for salaried and wage-earning workers, the framework is strict. — Matthew De Silva, Quartz, "New Zealand gives a vote of confidence in bitcoin, while the US remains wary," 15 Aug. 2019 And in this particular case, the regulations in question are unusually strict. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "The Supreme Court’s First Major Gun Case in a Decade," 14 Aug. 2019 By leaving emissions standards unchanged, the commission says that its existing standards are already strict enough to determine when radio emissions become problematic. — Jacob Kastrenakes, The Verge, "The FCC says 5G is safe, again," 8 Aug. 2019 The poll also showed that teachers and parents are worried about school discipline not being strict enough. — al, "What do you want to know about education in Alabama?," 6 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'strict.' 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 strict

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

History and Etymology for strict

Middle English stricte, from Latin strictus, from past participle of stringere to bind tight — more at strain

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More Definitions for strict

strict

adjective
How to pronounce strict (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of strict

—used to describe a command, rule, etc., that must be obeyed
: demanding that people obey rules or behave in a certain way
: carefully obeying the rules or principles of a religion or a particular way of life

See the full definition for strict in the English Language Learners Dictionary

strict

adjective
\ ˈstrikt How to pronounce strict (audio) \
stricter; strictest

Kids Definition of strict

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

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