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stringent

stringent

40 6.9
Very strict rules or limits that must be followed
  • adjective
  • /ˈstrɪn.dʒənt/
translation icon : riguroso
  • That's why we have this very stringent oversight.
  • more stringent
  • stringent regulations
  • stringent standards

But it turns out the test is incredibly stringent, probably over stringent.

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Examples

  • Well landlords, I highly suggest much more stringent rental contracts.

  • If I were to allow this material... it would have to be under stringent guidelines and in a closed session.

  • Some other countries have more stringent policies.

  • You see, we have a very stringent application process

  • So now the person is entering this contract with very stringent ideas around what that relationship will be.

  • Maybe people will find rolling back, you know, stringent regulations as as a good thing.

  • And why have those countries moved away from a more stringent socialist model?

  • Diagnosis often has very, very stringent criteria on performance.

  • The requirement to maintain species richness sets the most stringent limits on many forms of land use.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The university has implemented stringent admission requirements to ensure only the most qualified candidates are accepted.

Synonyms

strict
vsstringent
359 3.2

Not allowing any exceptions and requiring rules to be followed exactly

requires precision and exactness but not always uncompromising enforcement
tight
vsstringent
182 4.0

Strict rules that allow very little freedom

is precise and focused on rule detail rather than only enforcement strength
rigorous
vsstringent
85 6.7

Being very strict and careful about rules and details

is precise but less extreme in thoroughness or harshness
severe
vsstringent
68 4.2

Very strict and harsh when judging or punishing people

is exact and precise, not primarily about harsh treatment
restrictive
vsstringent
52 4.7

Limits what people can do by rules or laws

specifies exact requirements rather than simply reducing possibilities
hardline
vsstringent
14 6.8

Very strict and unwilling to change policies or make compromises

defines exact conditions but does not mean an unyielding political stance
hard-and-fast
vsstringent
12 5.7

Very clear rules or limits that do not allow change

applies exact rules but may allow some interpretation
exacting
vsstringent
7 7.0

Needing a lot of care and attention to small details

applies precise requirements generally rather than obsessing over tiny points
regimented
vsstringent
1 6.5

Strict rules make people do the same things and limit their freedom

sets precise requirements but does not always imply controlled routines

Antonyms

32 4.4

Not strict about rules and punishment

permissive
  • Jargon
14 4.9

Not strict and giving a lot of freedom about what people do

How Strict

severe
68 4.2
stringent
40 6.9
strict
359 3.2
moderate
415 3.3
lenient
32 4.4
lax
31 4.6

Surface Forms

stringent positive
stringenter comparative
stringentest superlative

Etymology

Stringent comes from the Latin stringere, meaning 'to tighten', and is related to the English string, which pulls things tight. So, a stringent rule is like something held 'tight' — very 'strict' and leaving little room to change.