strict

Expecting people to obey firm rules about what they may do.

• Our teacher is strict.
• Her parents were strict about screen time.
• Are you strict with your children?

How to use it: strict with someone (Their teacher is strict with them.); strict about something (My parents are strict about bedtime.)

Similar words: stern, firm

Opposites: lenient

Common phrases: strict parents, strict teacher, strict about something

Following or enforcing rules exactly, with no exceptions.

• The factory has strict safety rules.
• He follows a strict vegetarian diet.
• Access to the records is under strict control.

How to use it: strict in doing something (They are strict in following the safety rules.)

Similar words: rigorous, stringent

Opposites: lax

Common phrases: strict observance, strict rules, strict control, strict diet

Held or pulled very close together.

• She held him in a strict embrace.
• His strict clasp kept the child close.
• The lovers remained in their strict embrace.

Similar words: tight, close

Opposites: loose

Common phrases: strict embrace, strict clasp

Pulled tight rather than loose or relaxed.

• The strict fibres resisted stretching.
• His strict muscles softened as he rested.
• The cord remained strict under the weight.

Similar words: tense, taut

Opposites: relaxed, slack

Common phrases: strict fibre, strict muscles