strict

[ strikt ]

adjective

, strict·er, strict·est.

1. characterized by or acting in close conformity to requirements or principles:

   a strict observance of rituals.

   Synonyms: austere, harsh, illiberal, narrow

   Antonyms: lax, flexible

2. stringent or exacting in or in enforcing rules, requirements, obligations, etc.:

   strict laws; a strict judge.

3. closely or rigorously enforced or maintained:

   strict silence.

4. exact or precise:

   a strict statement of facts.

   Synonyms: scrupulous, accurate

5. extremely defined or conservative; narrowly or carefully limited:

   a strict construction of the Constitution.

6. close, careful, or minute:

   a strict search.

7. absolute, perfect, or complete; utmost:

   told in strict confidence.

8. stern; severe; austere:

   strict parents.

9. Obsolete. drawn tight or close.

strict

/ strɪkt /

adjective

1. adhering closely to specified rules, ordinances, etc

   a strict faith

2. complied with or enforced stringently; rigorous

   a strict code of conduct

3. severely correct in attention to rules of conduct or morality

   a strict teacher

4. (of a punishment, etc) harsh; severe
5. prenominal complete; absolute

   in strict secrecy

6. logic maths of a relation
   1. applying more narrowly than some other relation often given the same name, as strict inclusion, which holds only between pairs of sets that are distinct, while simple inclusion permits the case in which they are identical See also proper ordering
   2. distinguished from a relation of the same name that is not the subject of formal study
7. rare.
   botany very straight, narrow, and upright

   strict panicles

Derived Forms

• ˈstrictness, noun
• ˈstrictly, adverb

Other Words From

• strictness noun
• over·strict adjective
• super·strict adjective
• super·strictly adverb
• super·strictness noun
• un·strict adjective
• un·strictly adverb
• un·strictness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of strict¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin strictus, equivalent to strig-, variant stem of stringere “to draw tight” + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of strict¹

C16: from Latin strictus, from stringere to draw tight

Synonym Study

Strict, rigid, rigorous, stringent imply inflexibility, severity, and an exacting quality. Strict implies great exactness, especially in the observance or enforcement of rules: strict discipline. Rigid, literally stiff or unbending, applies to that which is (often unnecessarily or narrowly) inflexible: rigid economy. Rigorous, with the same literal meaning, applies to that which is severe, exacting, and uncompromising, especially in action or application: rigorous self-denial. Stringent applies to that which is vigorously exacting and severe: stringent measures to suppress disorder.

Example Sentences

The ad would then count as a coordinated communication and would be subject to strict spending limits.

From The Daily Beast

First, it would reduce the kinds of ads that would be subject to strict limits.

From The Daily Beast

People often forget that the National Panhellenic council used to enforce racial segregation by means of strict codes and laws.

From The Daily Beast

Free from strict rules, Japanese distillers are making innovative, artful concoctions.

From The Daily Beast

But beyond the strict realm of national security, the Arctic is becoming increasingly important to Russia economically.

From The Daily Beast

For these reasons we keep strict and careful watch over them, since the suspicions conceived of them have been often verified.

From Project Gutenberg

In a strict sense, of course, no child's drawing is absolutely spontaneous and independent of external stimulus and guidance.

From Project Gutenberg

But it was not necessary for him to enquire how strict, or how apparently long, was to be his confinement.

From Project Gutenberg

How strict a Guard then ought the true Satyrist to set upon his private Passions!

From Project Gutenberg

"According to English ideas it seemed strict, of course," the other said persuasively, so that he went on.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• draconian
• exacting
• harsh
• rigid
• rigorous
• scrupulous
• severe
• stern
• stringent
• tough