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stiff

Q: How is the word 'stiff' distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words inflexible and rigid are common synonyms of stiff . While all three words mean "difficult to bend," stiff may apply to any degree of this condition. // stretching keeps your muscles from becoming stiff

Q: In what contexts can 'inflexible' take the place of 'stiff'?

The meanings of inflexible and stiff largely overlap; however, inflexible stresses lack of suppleness or pliability. // ski boots with inflexible soles

Q: When would 'rigid' be a good substitute for 'stiff'?

In some situations, the words rigid and stiff are roughly equivalent. However, rigid applies to something so stiff that it cannot be bent without breaking. // a rigid surfboard

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of stiff

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 incapable of or highly resistant to bending

use a stiff piece of paper for the project

Synonyms for stiff

Words Related to stiff

inelastic

brittle,
crisp

Near Antonyms for stiff

malleable,
plastic

semiflexible

Antonyms for stiff

2 difficult to endure

stiff winds

Synonyms for stiff

Words Related to stiff

harrowing,
tortuous

Near Antonyms for stiff

Antonyms for stiff

3 going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount

don't you think that's a pretty stiff fine for such a minor infraction?

Synonyms for stiff

Words Related to stiff

unrestrained

Phrases Synonymous with stiff

Near Antonyms for stiff

minimal,
minimum

Antonyms for stiff

4 having a consistency that does not easily yield to pressure

stir two cups of flour with the remaining ingredients to make a stiff dough

Synonyms for stiff

Words Related to stiff

sturdy,
substantial

Near Antonyms for stiff

airy,
light

permeable,
porous

ultrasoft

Antonyms for stiff

5 lacking social grace and assurance

felt stiff and ill-at-ease whenever she was introduced to her parents' friends

Synonyms for stiff

Words Related to stiff

self-conscious

Near Antonyms for stiff

Antonyms for stiff

6 requiring considerable physical or mental effort

we'll have a stiff climb to actually reach the summit

Synonyms for stiff

Words Related to stiff

Near Antonyms for stiff

Antonyms for stiff

7 marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details

the stiff politeness with which I was greeted suggested that they weren't truly happy to see me

Synonyms for stiff

Words Related to stiff

Near Antonyms for stiff

Antonyms for stiff

8 being under the influence of alcohol

seeing that the customer was more than a little stiff, the bartender offered to call a cab for him

Synonyms for stiff

besotted,
blasted
[slang],
blind,
blitzed
[slang],
blotto
[slang],
bombed,
boozy,
canned
[slang],
cockeyed,
crocked,
drunk,
drunken,
fried,
gassed,
hammered
[slang],
high,
impaired,
inebriate,
inebriated,
intoxicated,
juiced
[slang],
lit,
lit up,
loaded
[slang],
looped,
oiled
[slang],
pickled,
pie-eyed,
plastered,
potted
[slang],
ripped
[slang],
sloshed
[slang],
smashed
[slang],
sottish,
soused,
sozzled,
squiffed
(or squiffy),
stewed,
stinking
[slang],
stoned,
tanked
[slang],
tiddly
[chiefly British],
tight,
tipsy,
wasted
[slang],
wet,
wiped out
[slang]

Words Related to stiff

maudlin

beery

Phrases Synonymous with stiff

Near Antonyms for stiff

Antonyms for stiff

sober,
straight

stiff

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of stiff (Entry 2 of 3)

1 a dead body

to the mortician, a stiff was a stiff and they were all pretty much alike

Synonyms for stiff

Words Related to stiff

mummy

carnage,
carrion

ashes

deceased,
decedent

2 a member of the human race

one lucky stiff will get the biggest jackpot in the lottery's history

Synonyms for stiff

Words Related to stiff

Phrases Synonymous with stiff

son of man

Near Antonyms for stiff

stiff

verb

Synonyms of stiff (Entry 3 of 3)

1 to deliberately ignore or treat rudely

the actress has a reputation for stiffing the press at red-carpet events

Synonyms for stiff

Words Related to stiff

isolate,
ostracize

2 to rob by the use of trickery or threats

customers who were too embarrassed to admit that they had been stiffed by an Internet company claiming to sell designer handbags

Synonyms for stiff

Words Related to stiff

exploit,
milk

rope (in)

Phrases Synonymous with stiff

Frequently Asked Questions About stiff

How is the word stiff distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words inflexible and rigid are common synonyms of stiff. While all three words mean "difficult to bend," stiff may apply to any degree of this condition.

stretching keeps your muscles from becoming stiff

In what contexts can inflexible take the place of stiff?

The meanings of inflexible and stiff largely overlap; however, inflexible stresses lack of suppleness or pliability.

ski boots with inflexible soles

When would rigid be a good substitute for stiff?

In some situations, the words rigid and stiff are roughly equivalent. However, rigid applies to something so stiff that it cannot be bent without breaking.

a rigid surfboard

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