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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 Cuomo went on to claim that the party has lost its moderate center and is in the midst of being reshaped by louder and more inflexible factions. Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 Trump has expressed growing frustration over Iran’s stance at recent indirect talks, portraying Tehran as inflexible and slow-moving. Courtney Kube, NBC news, 12 June 2025 Almost two-thirds of US workers struggle with volatile and inflexible work schedules, according to a new Gallup survey. Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 10 June 2025 Managers and board members of the two agencies said that the dispute persisted for years because of inflexible positions, but that negotiations over the last year made possible a comprehensive agreement. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflexible
Adjective
  • The policy change was brought on by President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring that there are only two, unchangeable sexes, the VA said.
    Jo Yurcaba, NBC News, 17 Mar. 2025
  • In his first weeks in office, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders targeting trans rights, including one stating the U.S. government would recognize only two unchangeable sexes and another barring trans people from military service.
    Brooke Sopelsa, NBC news, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Zara hadn’t become rigid overnight—her views on competence, control and value had been reinforced over decades.
    Diana Lowe, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Set within a military institution, the film continues his exploration of gender and power, aiming to expose and humanize rigid, oppressive systems through personal and emotional storytelling.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • For example, in sales, if a customer wants a certain number of licenses but has a strict budget, an agent can help figure out the best deal by looking at things like license count, budget limits and different contract lengths (like one-, two- or three-year terms).
    Ian Gotts, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Anna Marson, a former Tuscany regional minister who now teaches urban planning at a university in Venice, was closely involved in putting forward a plan to impose stricter environmental regulations on the region’s marble quarries in 2014.
    Meara Sharma, The Dial, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • But earth sign parents can also lean toward being stubborn and strict, which may cause friction during a stand off or while navigating discipline or tough conversations.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2025
  • Economists also will keep an eye on shelter prices, which have been a stubborn component keeping readings higher.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Published in 1915, and already widely accepted worldwide by physicists and mathematicians, the theory assumed the universe was static – unchanging, unmoving and immutable.
    Rob Coyne, Space.com, 13 July 2025
  • This glass brings motion and vitality to an art form typically thought of as static and unchanging, co-authors Lisa Stone and Jim Zanzi point out in their 1991 book, The Art of Fred Smith.
    Paul Nicolaus, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, beat cream and powdered sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, 2 to 4 minutes.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 July 2025
  • This in turn can boost the blood flow, speed up healing, and helps ease discomfort in stiff joints.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • Ozzy Osbourne shared 3 children with first wife Thelma Riley The father of six children over two marriages, Osbourne has been vocal about how rigorous touring and alcohol use affected his family life.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 23 July 2025
  • The 22-year-old flew to the United States and went through the DCC’s rigorous tryouts, eventually becoming one of six new rookies to join the 36-member squad, out of thousands who auditioned.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • But Galkin is adamant that because their focus was always the victims, Kohberger’s plea deal only changed one thing.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 11 July 2025
  • The call came on what was the hottest day of the year in the U.K., but staff were adamant Moo needed picking up, much to Ford's mild annoyance.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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