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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 This could unlock new capabilities in soft robots, which operate more mechanically because they are fitted with inflexible components. New Atlas, 23 Mar. 2025 Some employers are inflexible about working conditions for working parents even immediately after a disaster. Christine Ro, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for inflexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflexible
Adjective
  • Do Regular Reviews Set consistent operational reviews with unchangeable timing.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 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
  • Her resistance to rigid punctuation or academic language reflects a broader skepticism about power and interpretation.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 3 May 2025
  • Data collection, storage, and analysis are not rigid processes—one-size-fits-all for each weather event.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Portuguese manager built his success by adhering to a strict 3-4-3 system at Sporting Lisbon.
    Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Known for his Marian devotion—which encourages piety and seeks the intercession of the Virgin Mary—and strict doctrinal stances, he is viewed as a potential challenger to Parolin, especially in early voting rounds and has odds of 7/1.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Outside of Washington, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s followers appear to be scrambling the country's stubborn red-blue divide USA TODAY Texas is looking at bills to bring back exercise.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • The following day, however, Mercury will meet Mars in a stubborn square, triggering a clash between the need for practicality and discernment versus the desire to express oneself boldly and with pride.
    Staff Author, People.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • My mum’s adoration of her sister was unchanging in spite of the constant changes in Hilda’s impossibly glamorous life.
    Geoff Dyer, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Typically, scientists think of cratons as unchanging, nigh on eternal.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In contrast, Trump faces stiff opposition in liberal states.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Despite being high cut and stiff, Jackson’s combination of explosiveness and raw power will keep him in the league for a long time.
    Dane Brugler, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Every debt-relief product review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of debt-relief products.
    Dana Miranda, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Taking the rigorous steps to join the community opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
    Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet even as Bix seems to be an avatar for all the suffering and trauma the Star Wars galaxy has to offer, Arjona is adamant that her character is not a victim.
    James Grebey, Vulture, 2 May 2025
  • Her sister is adamant that, for Jane, this was the only way.
    Kim Campbell, Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inflexible

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