stringent
Americanadjective
-
rigorously binding or exacting; strict; severe.
stringent laws.
- Synonyms:
- restrictive
- Antonyms:
- flexible
-
compelling, constraining, or urgent.
stringent necessity.
-
convincing or forcible.
stringent arguments.
-
(of the money market) characterized by a shortage in money for loan or investment purposes; tight.
adjective
-
requiring strict attention to rules, procedure, detail, etc
-
finance characterized by or causing a shortage of credit, loan capital, etc
Synonym Usage
See strict.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of stringent
First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin stringent- (stem of stringēns ), present participle of stringere “to draw tight”; see -ent
Explanation
That teacher's demands are stringent — she wants the homework typed in her favorite font, on special paper, and each essay must be exactly 45 lines! While the word stringent might seem foreign, if you're afflicted with pimples, you'll know the word astringent. An astringent causes your skin to tighten like it's shrinking your pores. This tightening, constricting feel describes stringent with regard to rules. Stringent safety procedures prevent accidents in a dangerous work environment. And restaurants must adhere to stringent health regulations.
Vocabulary lists containing stringent
Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 2
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Wonder
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Vocabulary from the Third and Final Presidential Debate, October 19, 2016
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Stringent regulations for some visa applicants — notably those coming to the U.S. to study or for work-study programs and their dependents — have further clouded America’s image as a destination.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
A police probe into Eljamel's actions, called Operation Stringent, was launched in 2018.
From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026
Stringent capital controls in Argentina mean that access to the official foreign exchange market is extremely limited, so parallel rates have flourished.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 13, 2023
Stringent measures must be put in place now by the Departments of Health and Human Services and Homeland Security, followed by an act of Congress.
From Washington Post • Jan. 20, 2023
Stringent laws and enactments, notably in the reigns of William the Conqueror, Edward III.,
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 2 "Fairbanks, Erastus" to "Fens" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
