1
2
3
4

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 Traditional chainmail suits were protective, but were inflexible and too heavy for surfing or diving. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2025 Adaptability Is the New Stability Rigid, inflexible leadership structures are giving way to more fluid, responsive ways of leading. Kathryn Lancioni, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 For the most part, Ruth carries out her daily chores, and submits to the Brotherhood’s inflexible vision of domesticity. Hannah Gold, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025 Generally, though, utilities such as Xcel Energy, Intermountain Power Agency and Tri-State Generation & Transmission are moving forward with plans to retire their coal plants, namely because the aging facilities are dirty, inefficient, inflexible and, most of all, no longer profitable. Jonathan Thompson, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflexible
Adjective
  • On the other hand, cooperative and validating communication can help when problems are minor or unchangeable.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The State Department suspended processing applications from Americans seeking to update their passports with a new gender marker in January, shortly after President Trump signed an executive order proclaiming the U.S. recognizes only two unchangeable sexes, male and female.
    Brooke Migdon, The Hill, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The next morning, Burgher parents—oblivious to the fighting that had broken out in the capital—had lined the walkways and cheered as their children filed into schools with pencils and notebooks and tense faces, some bravely managing a smile, others rigid with fear.
    George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The current electronic components (made of metals like titanium or rigid silicon) could lead to major challenges when implanted inside the human body.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Senior officials said that Medicare beneficiaries seeking coverage for GLP-1 drugs for obesity would have to meet strict eligibility criteria and that these would follow Make America Healthier Again principles to address chronic disease risk factors.
    Alice Park, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Beyond the major races, Democrats swept state Supreme Court contests in Pennsylvania and won ballot initiatives in Colorado and Maine, where voters approved gun safety measures and rejected stricter voter ID laws.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • That tone—of pain, of surprise, of a stubborn refusal to be reduced or diminished—is everywhere in it.
    Questlove, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025
  • If the stain is stubborn, add a few drops of dish soap to the water and vinegar mixture.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • In a world of constant updates, there’s still value in the unchanging.
    Kelly Ehlers, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Because that's what these young girls feel like when a boy walks into their locker room and starts unchanging in front of them.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Next, in another bowl, whip the egg whites to stiff peaks.
    Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The Chicago Cubs are bound to have stiff competition in the Kyle Tucker free agency sweepstakes this offseason.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors.
    Harlan Vaughn, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The Encinitas Green Business Network provides a rigorous framework for local organizations to reduce their environmental footprint through actionable, practical, and high-impact improvements.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The attorney general was adamant that if Running Fence broke the law, workers would be arrested and jailed, and contractors would lose their licenses.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Lownie is adamant that their friendship dates back to 1991.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inflexible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!