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 Erickson wrote that Airbnb’s high upfront deposits, inflexible cancellation policies and ,large guest fees have been obstacles. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2025 But for all their benefits, these systems are often inflexible. Norbert Jung, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025 This cleanly segments everything into management and labor while instituting an inflexible hierarchy. Josh Browning, Big Think, 28 Oct. 2025 This 50-year-old rule is politically inflexible — a public vote is the only way to modernize it. Harry Bubbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Oct. 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
  • No one is being ordered to give up bread, meat or the occasional indulgence, just as no one should treat a diagram as a rigid prescription.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Their analyses relied on rigid formulas that ignore the dynamics of companies driven by invention, rapid scaling, and exponential growth.
    Shane Goodwin, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Capping those rates could backfire, resulting in significantly stricter lending standards and making credit unavailable to lower-income people or those with lower credit scores.
    Luciana Lopez, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Per his release, the rapper must follow strict guidelines for the next five years, such as no alcohol, drug testing, and federal supervision when opening bank accounts.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • These two ingredients mixed together creates a powerful mixture perfect for lifting stubborn stains off grout because of their high cleaning and brightening properties.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The vinegar cleaning method isn’t foolproof, and sometimes stubborn residue can remain on your microwave walls.
    Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This was a direct contradiction of the leading hypothesis, which was that dark energy was the cosmological constant and, therefore, unchanging.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 28 Dec. 2025
  • Activists with unchanging missions might be easier to pin down (and thus less likely to be forgotten).
    Dara T. Mathis, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Pinto got the extension, but was left off the Olympic roster amidst stiff competition for centre roles.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The president’s bows were aloof and stiff.
    Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
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
  • Stephen Miller made these comments on CNN and was adamant that this would happen.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Although the film would have been far easier to finance if the production took place in another country, Hadi was adamant about shooting in his homeland.
    Alissa Simon, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on inflexible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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