STRICTLY Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

strictly

adverb

Definition of strictly

as in carefully

without any relaxation of standards or precision strictly speaking, Columbus did not discover America—the people living there had long known about it the rules must be strictly obeyed

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of strictly Turkey has ruled out sending troops into Yemen to attack the Houthis, while Pakistan says its role would be strictly defensive. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 This provision is uncommon as many existing down payment assistance programs don’t strictly limit the type of home someone can buy — only the sale price. — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026 Cast as Eva, the head of an international organization trying to save the planet in Project Hail Mary, Hüller spends this sci-fi blockbuster strictly on terra firma, acting as a socially awkward, deadpan foil for Ryan Gosling’s reluctant astronaut. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026 Our decision Friday to trim CrowdStrike after a strong rally was strictly about right-sizing our position, not a change in confidence in the business. — Alexa Lomonaco,matthew J. Belvedere,jeff Marks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 The terms jeans and denim are often used interchangeably, but, strictly speaking, jeans refers to the garment and denim to the fabric used to make the garment. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026 Growing population Haredi Jews strictly observe Jewish religious law and often disapprove of liberal interpretations. — Hannah Ridge, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026 The strictly limited engagement will be directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon at a Shubert theater to be announced. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 This is a strictly reactive list from inspections done by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for strictly

Adverb

And remember to drive carefully, especially when the road narrows to a single lane.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
Users should think carefully before resetting a forgotten PIN.

— Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of carefully

Adverb

This latest Dystopian Future World That Reflects Our Own is comprised of what-else-but rigidly stratified class structures, bespoke genetic engineering available only to the wealthiest, and super-sentient artificial intelligence.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026
Even though the category is rigidly defined, there are differences in style, cask finishes, alcohol content, and even mashbill to take into account when searching for this quintessentially American whiskey.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of rigidly

Adverb

That law made refugee applications some of the most rigorously scrutinized within the immigration system.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
This is the premise of FORM, a $50 million Wellcome Leap program designed to rigorously investigate links between the early life gut microbiome and neurodevelopmental challenges, including autism with high support needs.

— Holly Baines, STAT, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of rigorously

Browse Nearby Words

strict

strictly

strictness

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“Strictly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strictly. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of strictly

adverb

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