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BACKGROUND: Upland genotypes of rice are less sensitive to soil water deficit (SWD), making them suitable candidates for revealing the strategies underlying plant tolerance. The physiological factors, the biochemical traits needed to withstand oxidative stress, and the metabolite fluctuations of an upland genotype (Azucena) and an intolerant lowland genotype (IR64) genotype were measured under two levels of SWD (withholding water for 7‐ or 14 days) to identify SWD‐responsive strategies associated with tolerance. RESULTS: After withholding water for 7 days, no significant changes in physiological and biochemical traits of Azucena were observed, whereas in IR64, significant decreases in physiological factors were recorded along with increases in oxidative‐stress indicators. However, the root length of Azucena increased significantly, showing a clear stress avoidance strategy. Under a prolonged treatment (14 days), IR64 entered an oxidative‐damage stage, whereas Azucena exhibited a highly efficient antioxidant system. Our metabolite analysis also revealed two different enriched pathways. After a 7‐day SWD, the sugar levels were decreased in the leaves of Azucena but increased in IR64. The reduction in the sugar levels (up to 1.79‐log2FC) in the Azucena leaves may be indicative of their transport to the roots, supplying the carbon source needed for root elongation. Under a 14‐day treatment, proline and aspartate family members accumulated to the highest levels in Azucena, whereas an increase in the levels of aromatic amino acids with key roles in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites was detected in IR64. CONCLUSION: The adaptation strategies identified in two types of rice genotypes in confronting SWD may assist researchers in finding the proper indicators for screening more tolerant genotypes. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]