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Synonym Chooser

How is the word inflexible distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words rigid and stiff are common synonyms of inflexible. While all three words mean "difficult to bend," inflexible stresses lack of suppleness or pliability.

ski boots with inflexible soles

In what contexts can rigid take the place of inflexible?

The words rigid and inflexible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rigid applies to something so stiff that it cannot be bent without breaking.

a rigid surfboard

When might stiff be a better fit than inflexible?

The meanings of stiff and inflexible largely overlap; however, stiff may apply to any degree of this condition.

stretching keeps your muscles from becoming stiff

Example Sentences

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 inflexible The Salem witch trials—just a decade before his birth—were a brutal example of the dangers of inflexible belief systems. Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 One reason for our collective frustration is that government programs still mimic the outdated assembly line, which uses identical parts (inflexible regulations) to mass produce an identical product (a social outcome). Libby Schaaf, TIME, 13 Jan. 2025 If that were so, gestures would be a relatively limited, inflexible mode of communication — not much like language or human gestures at all. Brandon Keim, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025 Leaders who habitually use such expressions may appear inflexible or unwilling to entertain differing opinions. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflexible
Adjective
  • Challenge Your Assumptions Many people believe their financial situation is unchangeable.
    Juan Carlos Medina, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
  • In addition to the orders on health care access and defining the sexes as unchangeable, Trump has also signed orders that open the door to banning transgender people from military service and set up new rules about how schools can teach about gender.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This creates a culture where continuous learning—not rigid certainty—becomes the norm.
    Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Following the successful Maidan Revolution, one way Ukrainian chefs and customers expressed themselves was freeing their palates of rigid culinary bonds.
    Tim Mak, Bon Appétit, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Four years on—late in 2024 but well in advance of the Type 00’s public debut in Miami—Robb Report was invited to Gaydon to see the result under conditions of the strictest secrecy.
    Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2025
  • While seafood imports must meet strict federal safety regulations, this catfish recall underscores the challenges of monitoring international food supply chains.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But four months after becoming the first Republican in two decades to win the popular vote, Trump faces a new reality of needing to tackle some of the most stubborn challenges awaiting any new president and deliver on his campaign promises to lower prices.
    CNN.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Like this Fire sign, Drizella is unapologetically stubborn and impatience, believing she is entitled to nothing but the best.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Under the change, daylight saving time would be the permanent, unchanging time — not just for Florida, but for the country.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Within this uniformity lay a subtle nod to masculinity in a stern, unchanging form, blending seamlessly into its surroundings, acting as a permanent fixture; a mountain within the forest.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Next is Atlético in the capital, a much stiffer assignment than a home match against a team destined for relegation.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Clinton’s stiffest challenge in getting to the state semifinals may come from No.
    Matt Feld, Boston Herald, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • All in all, even a moderate approach was like 12-hours of rigorous cardio.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Every mortgage article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of mortgage products.
    Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Warner was adamant that oppressors should be stopped not only using military force, but also with intellectual muscle and dialogue.
    Chris Yogerst / Made by History, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
  • House Speaker Daniel Perez, a Miami Republican who championed the law in 2022, has been adamant that mandatory financial reserves for building maintenance are essential in preventing another building from crumbling to the ground.
    Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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