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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 Organizations continue to grapple with inflexible leadership. Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 But his vision for it was inflexible. Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025 Beyond physical challenges, frequent doctor’s appointments require time off—especially difficult for those with long hours or inflexible schedules. G Kirilloff, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 That often happens when the organization is run as a traditional hierarchy of authority, which is inherently inflexible. Steve Denning, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflexible
Adjective
  • Nonlinear optical devices must be crafted with a single, unchangeable function determined during fabrication.
    The Physics arXiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The changes came after President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring that the U.S. government would only recognize two unchangeable sexes, male and female.
    Kaitlyn Schwanemann, NBC news, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Mirroring the intricate pattern of the pants, the shirt featured a short, boxy, oversize fit made of rigid cotton denim with a jacquard-weave pattern and a baggy, extra-loose silhouette.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The vision that a planner and his state bureaucracy projected onto an agricultural area or a neighborhood was far more rigid and simplified than what already existed.
    Nikil Saval, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Augusta National Golf Club, where the tournament takes place each April, has a strict no cell phone and cameras rule during the four days of official competition.
    Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 18 Apr. 2025
  • So Read, a 56-year-old sexologist and writer based in Calgary, Canada, developed a strict sleep and bedtime routine.
    Erica Sweeney, SELF, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite growing consternation and concern expressed by economists and CEOs, Trump administration officials have been stubborn in defending its trade policies.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Ocasio-Cortez might have a good shot at cracking that stubborn nut.
    Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Presuming any group to be unchanging stood in the way of understanding evolutionary changes.
    John P. Jackson, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
  • These unchanging elements can serve as anchors during turbulent times.
    Susanne Biro, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • After tariffs were unveiled earlier this month, the market went into a steep sell-off until Trump issued a 90-day pause on the stiff rates for most countries.
    Sean Conlon, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
  • While a soufflé typically starts by separating egg whites from the yolks and beating the whites until stiff, this recipe skips this step—giving the dish a more casserole-like characteristic with a still-fluffy result.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.
    Keagan Ostop, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Biking is smooth and the frame is sturdy, heavy and durable enough to handle rigorous cycling.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Paul has been adamant that the tariffs won’t help the U.S. His frustration with the tariffs came as seven GOP senators signed on to a bipartisan bill that sought to have Congressional oversight over the president’s tariffs.
    Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The 12-time Emmy award-winner was also adamant about sharing her cancer journey with her audience—hoping that her experience might offer support and guidance to others facing similar challenges.
    Joanne Fowler, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inflexible

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