Antonyms:
* Lenient: This means merciful or tolerant, the opposite of strict.
* Lax: This implies a lack of strictness or firmness.
* Flexible: This suggests a willingness to adapt or change rules.
* Permissive: This means allowing freedom or liberty.
* Loose: This describes something that is not strict or tightly controlled.
Synonyms:
* Rigorous: This emphasizes strictness and thoroughness.
* Strict: This is a straightforward synonym for stringent.
* Demanding: This highlights the high expectations associated with something stringent.
* Severe: This suggests harshness or severity in the application of rules.
* Tough: This implies difficulty or a challenging nature.
The best antonym or synonym for "stringent" will depend on the specific context in which you are using the word.