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
-
Only the families that did not have second homes or relations in distant lands sent their daughters onto the ship.—
Sheila Heti,
The New Yorker,
19 Jan. 2025
-
Only the Colorado Rockies, a distant 20th at $129.9 million, have decided not to join in the spending.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Sportico.com,
19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Coaches will tell you of a character who could be grumpy or stubborn, but also of someone who needed faith shown in him.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Thanks to its impressive staying power, this eyeliner can be a bit stubborn to remove.—
Siena Gagliano,
Allure,
24 Jan. 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
-
Remove anything flammable from within a 5 feet perimeter of your home and any detached buildings, such as dry leaves and pine needles.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA TODAY,
12 Jan. 2025
-
But the detached garage and a guest cottage were destroyed, as were all but three or four of the 20 or so houses on their block near the Altadena Golf Course.—
Steve Lopez,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Such a lineup is unknown territory for the festival, but Blanc was adamant not to deviate from the carte blanche principle for selections.—
Lily Templeton,
WWD,
29 Jan. 2025
-
Rocky has been adamant in declaring his innocence, refusing what many considered a decent plea deal before the trial got underway.—
Jessica Bennett,
VIBE.com,
29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
But Posey’s first significant trade as president of baseball operations required a bit of a cold touch.—
Andrew Baggarly,
The Athletic,
30 Jan. 2025
-
Those in pots are more susceptible to cold damage, which can lead to slower growth or foliage and bud loss.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
As those factors emerged, NBA front-office sources remained steadfast that Flagg was the No. 1 pick.—
Sam Vecenie,
The Athletic,
20 Jan. 2025
-
In contrast, Pence, speaking at an educational forum in Taipei, expressed his belief that the United States should remain steadfast in its commitments.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Ed was calm, cool and double-checked facts and arranged interviews with key players.—
Frederick N. Rasmussen,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Jan. 2025
-
But given this is a fashion week event, Sivan couldn’t help but make the professional look a little cooler—thanks to a delicious chocolate brown leather peacoat, which added just the right amount of edge.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
19 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near unbending
Cite this Entry
“Unbending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbending. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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