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stiff

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noun

stiff

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stiff distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words inflexible and rigid are common synonyms of stiff. While all three words mean "difficult to bend," stiff may apply to any degree of this condition.

stretching keeps your muscles from becoming stiff

In what contexts can inflexible take the place of stiff?

The meanings of inflexible and stiff largely overlap; however, inflexible stresses lack of suppleness or pliability.

ski boots with inflexible soles

When would rigid be a good substitute for stiff?

In some situations, the words rigid and stiff are roughly equivalent. However, rigid applies to something so stiff that it cannot be bent without breaking.

a rigid surfboard

Examples of stiff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Meanwhile, a new manufacturing technique means the castings are lighter but stronger, the F80’s structure 50 percent stiffer than the LaFerrari’s. Jason Barlow, WIRED, 17 Oct. 2024 Can a tiny, single-model airline offer a different and improved experience over larger competitors and succeed against stiff odds? Jonathan Soroff, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2024
Noun
Being a working stiff can be anathema to those with the founder gene, who find the uncertainty of entrepreneurship equal parts freeing and exhilarating. Paolo Confino, Fortune, 12 May 2024 The Thing is one of those rare sci-fi horrors that stands the test of time due to its suspenseful pacing and its groundbreaking practical effects by Rob Bottin, leaving you both frozen and scared stiff. Huntley Woods, EW.com, 20 Oct. 2023
Verb
Owning versus renting Owning a unit can cost less each month than renting, but stiff down payments make ownership impossible for most, says Nishant Sondhi, a real estate agent and fund manager who raises money for developments in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Hillary Chura, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Aug. 2024 Europe followed with smaller but still stiff tariffs. Russ Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for stiff 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stiff.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near stiff

Cite this Entry

“Stiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiff. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on stiff

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