1
as in distant
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others
the commanding officer's unbending reserve when dealing with subordinates
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
the school's new headmaster is reputed to be an unbending disciplinarian
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in straightening
to cause to follow a line that is without bends or curls
the new highway will largely unbend that twisting path that the old road used to follow
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unbending
Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 1 Oct. 2021
His voice was deep, brawny, and plaintive; his look delicate but unbending and intense.
—Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2021
Taking fright, however, was not in his character, Mr. Putsila said in an interview at the office of Nexta, the opposition news organization where Mr. Protasevich established himself as one of Mr. Lukashenko’s most effective and unbending critics.
—New York Times, 25 May 2021
Extremists in Afghanistan, in essence, control both sides of that equation — keeping up the violence to help their position in talks now, while holding to their goal of a return to an unbending Islamic rule later.
—Mujib Mashal, New York Times, 25 Sep. 2020
See All Example Sentences for unbending
Adjective
Adding to McConnell's unbending position on the debt ceiling is Democrats' efforts to pass a sweeping $3.5 trillion package that would expand the social safety net and combat climate change.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 1 Oct. 2021
His voice was deep, brawny, and plaintive; his look delicate but unbending and intense.
—Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2021
Taking fright, however, was not in his character, Mr. Putsila said in an interview at the office of Nexta, the opposition news organization where Mr. Protasevich established himself as one of Mr. Lukashenko’s most effective and unbending critics.
—New York Times, 25 May 2021
Extremists in Afghanistan, in essence, control both sides of that equation — keeping up the violence to help their position in talks now, while holding to their goal of a return to an unbending Islamic rule later.
—Mujib Mashal, New York Times, 25 Sep. 2020
See All Example Sentences for unbending
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbending
Adjective
-
No problem Remember when adventure seemed like a distant memory?—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Resembling a distant cousin to the truffula tree in Seussical botany, this shaft of sturdy stem with intermittent globes of golden treats is a pollinator’s dream.—
New York Times Games,
New York Times,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Still facing a stubborn staffing crunch, the New York City Department of Correction will require officers to work mandatory 12-hour tours in a number of city jails, a move immediately criticized by their union.—
Graham Rayman,
New York Daily News,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Fiscal and monetary policy are walking a tightrope between weak real growth and stubborn inflation.—
William Pesek,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Some Black women have turned to consistent heat-styling and chemical straightening treatments to more easily manage their natural hair.—
Annie Blay,
Allure,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Lift the barbell by straightening your legs and back simultaneously, keeping your core engaged and your back flat.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The film seems to comment on the evolution of communication—from a love of language to a more detached, modern form of communication.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2025
-
The wood fence enclosing the yard is new, and a detached garage has a workshop and holds one car.—
Angela Serratore,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Hamilton was adamant Ferrari had all the ingredients to win the world championship for the first time since 2008.—
Luke Smith,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
-
But both brown and Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson – a marine biologist and policy expert – are adamant that modeling climate activism in popular culture need not be all about just ringing warning bells.—
Dan Heching,
CNN,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
This will act to push colder air back into portions of the Lower 48 states.—
Doyle Rice,
USA TODAY,
23 Feb. 2025
-
First Alert Weather Day in effect across North Texas due to dangerous cold Cowboys' Zack Martin announces retirement after 11-year career With 3 superintendents in 3 years, what's next for Keller ISD?—
CBS News,
CBS News,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
As Shared Economy Services continues to attract extraordinary talent & experience and increases its momentum, Bobby retains his passion and remains steadfast in his vision.—
Kody Boye,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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As their friends glide in and out of liaisons, Mlotek and her boyfriend build a life together, their commitment mostly steadfast over the course of 12 years.—
Rachel Vorona Cote,
The Atlantic,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Andreeva, who announced herself to the tennis world at the 2024 Australian Open aged 16, has spoken about learning to stay cool on court in the last few months.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
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This isn’t some fashion formula that’s difficult to decode; these beautiful dresses are easily toughened up with slouchy leather boots to create a cool juxtaposition for day and look just as swell with open toe mules for springtime evenings.—
Adam Mansuroglu,
WWD,
24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unbending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbending. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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