The phrase "stiffly restrictive of atomic power" is somewhat complex and may refer to strict limitations or regulations related to the use of atomic power or nuclear energy.

Associations

This phrase suggests a strong and unwavering limit or control over atomic power. "Stiffly" implies that these restrictions are not flexible or lenient, while "restrictive" indicates that there are significant rules or barriers in place.

• In government policy: A country may be said to have a "stiffly restrictive" attitude towards nuclear energy, meaning they have strict laws limiting its use.
• In safety regulations: Organizations involved in atomic power might describe operating under "stiffly restrictive" guidelines to ensure safety, indicating that rules are very tight and cannot be easily bent.
• In international treaties: A treaty could be described as "stiffly restrictive" if it imposes very strict rules on the development or proliferation of nuclear weapons between countries.

A synonym for "restrictive" could be "limiting," but "restrictive" often conveys a stronger sense of control or prohibition than "limiting," which can sometimes allow for some degree of freedom.

Substitution

Depending on the context, you might consider using alternatives like:

• Tightly controlled: This phrase conveys a similar sense of strong limitation but can imply a more organized method of control.
• Severely limited: This suggests that the restrictions are not just strict but also heavily imposed, possibly indicating harsh penalties for violations.
• Highly regulated: This could indicate that there are many specific rules, providing a different nuance that might stress bureaucracy rather than severity.

Each of these substitutes conveys a form of control over atomic power, but they may slightly alter the meaning based on the connotation or the implications of the restrictions involved.