strict

American  

[strikt] / strɪkt /

adjective

• stricter,
  comparative
• strictest
  superlative

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.

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strict British  

/ 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

   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

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Synonym Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• strictness
  noun
• superstrictness
  noun
• unstrictness
  noun
• overstrict
  adjective
• superstrict
  adjective
• unstrict
  adjective
• strictly
  adverb
• superstrictly
  adverb
• unstrictly
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Adjectives

• stricter
  comparative
• strictest
  superlative

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Etymology

Origin of strict

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

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Explanation

Strict describes someone who sticks to a particular set of rules. If your math teacher is strict, it means that she expects her rules to be followed to the letter. The adjective strict always has to do with rules. Your strict parents enforced rules and expected you to obey them. Your cousin might be a strict vegetarian who always follows her own rules about what to eat. Strict laws demand to be followed, and a strict follower of the First Amendment supports free speech no matter what. The Latin root of strict is strictus, which means "drawn together, tight, or rigid." A rigid adherence to rules is exactly what makes someone strict.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

strict stricter strictest

Justice Neil Gorsuch similarly said that he was “struggling” to see how imposing strict scrutiny, rather than applying the less burdensome rational basis standard, would “be the end of the world.”

From Slate ● Nov. 4, 2026

However, smartphone shipments likely fell, reflecting strict volume control as management shifts the product mix toward higher-end models.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 3, 2026

“It’s an encouraging message: small, nutrient-dense additions—like incorporating avocado and mango into meals and snacks—may support heart health without the need for strict rules or major dietary overhauls.”

From Science Daily ● Nov. 3, 2026

"We're focused on helping voters find reliable information across our platforms," Google said in a statement, adding that it had "strict quality and policy protections" across its AI products on election topics.

From Barron's ● Nov. 1, 2026

With its strict rules against birthday presents and parties and singing?

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

Newly elected Texas politicians are also unlikely to change oil and gas policies, he said, with the exception of potentially stricter rules on flaring and venting for natural gas, he said.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 4, 2026

The prospect of stricter regulation was weighing on stocks in AI heavyweights such as Elon Musk's SpaceX ahead of the US markets open, after drops for key chipmakers in Asia including Samsung in South Korea.

From Barron's ● Nov. 4, 2026

Scalia said the federal voter registration law did not allow Arizona to adopt new and stricter rules.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2026

This means stricter background checks on your ability to repay.

From BBC ● Nov. 1, 2026

It was either first names or, in some of the stricter homes, Mr. and Mrs. Somebody or Other.

From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway

Then—and I’m telling you this in strictest confidence—Wiatt’s days are numbered.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026

The designation is the strictest standard in the US legal system.

From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026

California, which has some of the nation’s strictest gun laws, largely prohibits possession of a firearm within 1,000 feet of a K-12 school under the Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1995.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 4, 2026

"The circumstances that led to the incident should be thoroughly reviewed, those responsible should be identified, and the strictest possible action should be taken."

From Barron's ● Aug. 26, 2026

“The men have the strictest orders. But 1 must say, sir, that those orders would be easier to follow had the Yankees shown charity when they were back in Virginia.”

From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara

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Related Words

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

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