1
as in unchangeable
not capable of changing or being changed
the inflexible law of gravity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rigid
incapable of or highly resistant to bending
shoes made of inflexible plastic hurt my feet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in strict
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards
inflexible entry rules for the contest ban anyone who works for the company as well as any of their relatives
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
her inflexible father was unmoved by tears and pleading, and he grounded her anyway
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Lack of flexibility: A party that insists on multiple revisions during negotiation might prove to be inflexible.
—
Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Bears believe that the president is stubborn and inflexible, although this has been proven incorrect repeatedly.
—Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Meanwhile, Kissinger remained inflexible in his position, refusing to provide Congress with the reports in 1975.
—Time, 21 May 2025
Even before Trump returned to power on Jan. 20, 2025, the U.S. had become one of the most expensive, paperwork-heavy, inflexible, and unpredictable countries for touring artists to enter.
—Alex Ashley, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflexible
Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Bears believe that the president is stubborn and inflexible, although this has been proven incorrect repeatedly.
—Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Meanwhile, Kissinger remained inflexible in his position, refusing to provide Congress with the reports in 1975.
—Time, 21 May 2025
Even before Trump returned to power on Jan. 20, 2025, the U.S. had become one of the most expensive, paperwork-heavy, inflexible, and unpredictable countries for touring artists to enter.
—Alex Ashley, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflexible
Adjective
-
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
-
But these unchangeable circumstances don't stop military spouses from taking charge of their own lives.—
Grace Harrington,
People.com,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
First, consider dynamic withdrawal strategies that adjust based on portfolio performance, rather than rigid rules.—
Bruce Helmer,
Twin Cities,
21 June 2025
-
Because questioning takes courage, especially in rigid hierarchies.—
Oscar Chavez-Arrieta,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
At JPMorgan, an internal culture study found that fewer employees feel like their health and well-being are a corporate priority, likely triggered by the bank’s strict five-day in-office policy.—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
-
Strategy games require humanlike ability to think across and beyond multiple steps, deal with unpredictable responses, adapt to changing objectives and still conform to a strict rule set.—
Vinay K. Chaudhri,
Scientific American,
16 June 2025
Adjective
-
Then Curry, rattled by the monumental reverb of Kyrie’s shot, hurried into a stubborn approach on the ensuing possession, missed a desperate 3 over Kevin Love, who used his length and a rare display of defensive intensity to deny Curry a good look.—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
-
All of which can be employed by Musk or anyone else using AI to target us with false political advertising tailored to our most stubborn biases, further dividing us, manipulating elections and solidifying what has already become a fascist state.—
Sal Recchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 June 2025
Adjective
-
The other unchanging reality is that Eastern pundits love analyzing the performance of California governors, since the sheer size of this state automatically propels whoever is governor into the status of a presidential possibility.—
Thomas D. Elias,
Oc Register,
5 June 2025
-
Online platforms that claim to offer interactive experiences often depend on unchanging content.—
AyoOluwa Nihinlola,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Adjective
-
The coils offer full lumbar support and are arranged to cradle your spine but are also stiff around the edge.—
Scott Gilbertson,
Wired News,
16 June 2025
-
Made from a linen and cotton blend, these napkins are soft to the touch straight out of the packaging and take no time to break in like stiffer 100% linen napkins you might be handed at a high-end restaurant.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
16 June 2025
Adjective
-
Adopt a zero-trust security model that emphasizes rigorous access rules and constant authentication.—
Rob Lydic,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
-
The next afternoon, Gomes sat in and watched Ohtani throw a rigorous bullpen session to simulate multiple innings.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
Football has typically accepted these lapses and quietly moved on, adamant that the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PED) is primarily a problem for other sports.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
-
It’s become the latest project that’s caused high tension among Prairie Village residents — with a new group that’s formed to rally residents to push against the city’s plans, while others are adamant for its approval.—
Taylor O’Connor,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share