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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

Examples 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 Outside of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who remains inflexible as his forces continue to grind down Ukraine's defenses in the Donbas, there is a general recognition in Western capitals that a diplomatic agreement is more palpable at this stage than indefinite warfare. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024 The outspoken Goldberg could come across as dogmatic and inflexible, but proved strategic behind the scenes. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024 But critics say the agreements are inflexible, expensive and go beyond correcting constitutional violations. Shaila Dewan, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024 The presence of a fourth heart sound reflects a stiff and inflexible left ventricle. Rafle Fernandez, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inflexible 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflexible
Adjective
  • And yet the show has a soothing effect, predicated on the idea that human behavior (and misery) isn’t mysterious or unchangeable.
    Nina Metz, The Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Myth #3: Social determinants of health are static and unchangeable.
    Sean Fogarty, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Policies that feel unnecessarily rigid—such as denying restroom access to paying members—could potentially push customers toward more flexible competitors.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
  • High upfront costs, extensive operational requirements, and rigid structures often deter potential franchisees.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This story incorporates reporting from KNOE, The Sun, ABC Columbia and Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati. Spirit Airlines has revised its policies to enforce a stricter dress code for passengers.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 24 Jan. 2025
  • On a recent episode of Table Manners With Jessie and Lennie Ware, Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled his strict daily schedule.
    Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The stubborn machine has won, and politicians are, for the most part, just fodder, which means that every politician who has to stand in front of a camera after a tragedy turns into another battle site in an endless culture war.
    Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The bigger question is what happens if the economy, and in particular the labor market, weakens while inflation remains stubborn.
    Ben Casselman, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • What's more, Ocasio-Cortez was frequently the subject of viral social media mockery, often for her unchanging stance on transgender inclusion in women's and girls sports.
    Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Gloria Reuben is 'most proud' that her ER character, the HIV-positive Dr. Boulet, was able to live on The Pitt will only work if viewers want to spend 15 hours in close, unchanging quarters with these characters — something that would be difficult to pull off if the cast weren’t so good.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • On Tuesday, the deputy attorney general in the Justice Department issued a memo requiring federal prosecutors to pursue stiffer charges and sentences against a variety of criminal suspects.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The team discovered that the stiff tissue of a cownose ray’s tail was pockmarked with holes.
    Jack Tamisiea, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Like many large employers, the agency proactively seeks qualified candidates from as many sources as possible, all of whom must meet rigorous qualifications that of course will vary by position.
    John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
  • These suppliers undergo rigorous vetting processes and must meet safety standards to prevent potential hazards.
    Tim Bajarin, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In an interview days before Trump’s inauguration, Rosenworcel is adamant that regulation is part of the answer to America’s telecom security crisis.
    Eric Geller, WIRED, 17 Jan. 2025
  • David Poole is adamant that the sales team is always upfront about the risks as well as upsides of investing.
    K.J. Yossman, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near inflexible

Cite this Entry

“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inflexible

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