stricter

Stricter is the comparative form of the adjective strict. It describes something that is more stringent, severe, or exacting in rules, standards, or discipline than another reference point.

The base adjective strict comes from Latin strictus, meaning drawn tight or binding, and entered English via Old French and Middle English forms. The comparative is formed with the standard suffix -er, yielding stricter.

Stricter is commonly used to modify nouns related to governance, enforcement, and standards. Examples include stricter penalties, stricter immigration controls, stricter safety standards, and stricter enforcement. It can also describe a more demanding or exacting individual or organizational stance. In most cases, stricter is preferred over more strict when the adjective is short and one syllable; however, both forms can be understood in everyday usage, with "more strict" appearing in some contexts or dialects.

Related terms and nuances: stricter is closely related to strict and to related adjectives such as stringent and severe. While stricter emphasizes increased stringency, lenient and lax describe the opposite level of strictness. In policy and law, stricter language or a stricter framework implies higher requirements, clearer rules, and tighter compliance measures.

See also: strict, stringent, lenient, regulation, policy, compliance.