1
a
: deficient in or devoid of flexibility
rigid price controls
a rigid bar of metal
b
: appearing stiff and unyielding
his face rigid with pain
2
a
: inflexibly set in opinion
b
: strictly observed
adheres to a rigid schedule
3
: firmly inflexible rather than lax or indulgent
a rigid disciplinarian
4
: precise and accurate in procedure
rigid control of the manufacturing process
5
of an airship
: having the outer shape maintained by a fixed framework
rigidly
adverb
rigidness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of rigid in a Sentence
The patient's legs were rigid.
He is a rigid disciplinarian.
Recent Examples on the Web
Eventually, Collette’s rigid, defensive stare gives way to belief while Hoult’s cherubic face hides a weak, secretive nature.
—
Armond White, National Review, 22 Nov. 2024
While the Biden administration has made some progress on cybersecurity—establishing a national cybersecurity strategy that includes some reasonable provisions—its overall approach to AI safety through top-down bureaucratic rules remains too rigid.
—James Broughel, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Justice Department committed to standing up against attacks During the Trump campaign, Project 2025, the rigid agenda authored by the conservative think-tank Heritage Foundation, loomed large.
—Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2024
The circular spline: A completely rigid ring with internal teeth, similar to a planetary ring gear, and with two more teeth than the flexspline.
—New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rigid 
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Armond White, National Review, 22 Nov. 2024
While the Biden administration has made some progress on cybersecurity—establishing a national cybersecurity strategy that includes some reasonable provisions—its overall approach to AI safety through top-down bureaucratic rules remains too rigid.
—James Broughel, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Justice Department committed to standing up against attacks During the Trump campaign, Project 2025, the rigid agenda authored by the conservative think-tank Heritage Foundation, loomed large.
—Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2024
The circular spline: A completely rigid ring with internal teeth, similar to a planetary ring gear, and with two more teeth than the flexspline.
—New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rigid
Dictionary Entries Near rigid
Cite this Entry
“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigid. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rigid
adjective
rig·id
ˈrij-əd 
2
a
: very fixed in one's opinion or habits : unyielding
b
: carefully observed : scrupulous
follows a rigid exercise program
3
: exact and accurate in procedure
rigidity
noun
rə-ˈjid-ət-ē
rigidly
adverb
ˈrij-əd-lē
rigidness
noun
Etymology
from Latin rigidus, "rigid," from rigēre "to be stiff" — related to rigor mortis
Medical Definition
rigid
adjective
rig·id
ˈrij-əd
: deficient in or devoid of flexibility : characterized by stiffness
rigid muscles
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