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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 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 These advantages contrast sharply with official gen-AI deployments, where complex integrations, inflexible interfaces, and lack of persistent memory often stall progress. Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 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 Teaching them a new angle would require just a few days of coding work on most contemporary turbines, says Dabiri, but that was not an option for the relatively inflexible control systems running at Pincher Creek. IEEE Spectrum, 1 July 2019 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
  • Demonstrate inclusion and psychological safety by ensuring that returning to the office does not feel like a rigid, one-size-fits-all policy.
    Peter Cappelli, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Hough thought his performance was stiff and rigid, though, and lacked fluidity.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The therapy will debut at Relive Health’s Stuart, Florida location, thanks to recent updates in Florida’s regulatory framework allowing advanced stem cell treatments under strict medical oversight.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The weddings are planned by celebrity event stylist Slomique Hawrylo and adhere to a strict budget.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, these small canines are energetic, bold and stubborn.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Both options meant navigating some stubborn supporters.
    Kevin Coulson, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This dark energy, which Einstein labeled with the Greek letter lambda, has long been assumed to be unchanging and reliable through time.
    Rebecca Boyle, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Scientists have long assumed that dark energy is a constant, unchanging entity.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Australia and Colombia present stiff competition.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The latter character ushers in a stiff but amusing Mark Cuban cameo.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The coins will undergo a rigorous conservation process before being given to local museums for public display, according to the company.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • During a recent appearance on Vulture’s Good One podcast, the standup recalled prepping for the rigorous audition process for a year while doing improv and working day jobs in Chicago.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • To their credit, Wild GM Bill Guerin and owner Craig Leipold were adamant that wasn’t going to happen and got a deal done.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • His family, as well as his legal team, are adamant that Combs has been rehabilitated and should be released.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inflexible

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