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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 This could unlock new capabilities in soft robots, which operate more mechanically because they are fitted with inflexible components. New Atlas, 23 Mar. 2025 Some employers are inflexible about working conditions for working parents even immediately after a disaster. Christine Ro, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 Organizations continue to grapple with inflexible leadership. Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 But his vision for it was inflexible. Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflexible
Adjective
  • Nonlinear optical devices must be crafted with a single, unchangeable function determined during fabrication.
    The Physics arXiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The changes came after President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring that the U.S. government would only recognize two unchangeable sexes, male and female.
    Kaitlyn Schwanemann, NBC news, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Resilience now comes from adaptive planning, not rigid protocols.
    Toby Wong, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • At every turn, Francis chose radical inclusion over rigid control, and conscience over comfort.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Portuguese manager built his success by adhering to a strict 3-4-3 system at Sporting Lisbon.
    Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Known for his Marian devotion—which encourages piety and seeks the intercession of the Virgin Mary—and strict doctrinal stances, he is viewed as a potential challenger to Parolin, especially in early voting rounds and has odds of 7/1.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Traders do see the Fed cutting in June, but much can change between now and then, and a stubborn central bank could set off Trump again.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The most glaring of those misses came against Arsenal in October, with Bournemouth trying to break down a stubborn defence following William Saliba’s dismissal.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Typically, scientists think of cratons as unchanging, nigh on eternal.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025
  • There’s a strong element of passion in it, whereas my dad’s need to save money was a slow-burning, unchanging aspect of his relation to the world.
    Geoff Dyer, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In contrast, Trump faces stiff opposition in liberal states.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Despite being high cut and stiff, Jackson’s combination of explosiveness and raw power will keep him in the league for a long time.
    Dane Brugler, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Every debt-relief product review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of debt-relief products.
    Dana Miranda, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Taking the rigorous steps to join the community opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
    Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Since then, White House officials have remained adamant about sticking by Hegseth, even as criticism has mounted in recent weeks and questions about his judgment have resurfaced.
    Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the significant decline, the Trump administration is adamant about shoring up the border to ensure it is left secure before leaving office.
    Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inflexible

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