Definition of inflexiblenext
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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 Kyle Boddy, the founder of Driveline, the seminal program for velocity training, said a hard-throwing pitcher is not going to manage his velocity on an inflexible pitch count. Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2026 Amorim’s critics viewed him as inflexible, though his tactics were successful elsewhere. Chris Branch, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026 Kids get sick; day cares open and close; jobs are inflexible. Lauren Hilgers, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 Prolonged sitting, poor posture, injuries, or even muscle imbalances can cause your hips to become tight, weak, and inflexible. Rikkilynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflexible
Adjective
  • Privacy advocates have warned about the risks of identity verification like World’s, as iris scans are unchangeable and could cause all manner of havoc in the wrong hands.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order proclaiming that the U.S. recognizes only two unchangeable sexes, male and female.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The team stripped the lignin — the rigid glue in plant cells — from wood, leaving a porous cellulose skeleton.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Feb. 2026
  • There’s no need to fret about sticking to a rigid routine (which is probably more practical with older kids), and your kids aren’t afraid to come up with new plans and ideas at the last minute.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Researchers examined containment, shielding, and redundancy measures to ensure compliance with strict safety expectations for civilian nuclear applications.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • California continues to face a stubborn digital divide.
    William Jones, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Experts warn that the stubborn metric has long-term implications for learning.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • What a transformation that would’ve been, of the effortful, unchanging days.
    Nell Freudenberger, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Beaches, which are enjoyed by millions of people each year and contribute significantly to local economies, also were listed as good and unchanging for the past decade.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Aura advises avoiding stiff denim, heavy wool that doesn’t breathe, and synthetic fabrics that trap heat or create static.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Those demands have met stiff resistance from Republicans.
    Joey Cappelletti, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Dozens of asylum seekers like her, as well as refugees who passed a rigorous, years-long vetting process before being admitted to the United States, have been arrested in Minnesota in recent weeks, immigration lawyers and advocates say.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Every small business article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of business products.
    Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • New York — Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty for allegedly killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024, a federal district judge ruled Friday, dealing a blow to US prosecutors who were adamant about pursuing the ultimate sentence.
    Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • DeSantis has been adamant that his administration broke no laws.
    Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on inflexible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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