stiff 1 of 3

adjective

ˈstif How to pronounce stiff (audio)
Definition of stiffnext
1
as in rigid
incapable of or highly resistant to bending use a stiff piece of paper for the project

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2
as in tough
difficult to endure stiff winds

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3
as in excessive
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?

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4
as in hard
having a consistency that does not easily yield to pressure stir two cups of flour with the remaining ingredients to make a stiff dough

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5
as in uncomfortable
lacking social grace and assurance felt stiff and ill-at-ease whenever she was introduced to her parents' friends

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6
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort we'll have a stiff climb to actually reach the summit

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7
as in formal
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

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8
as in drunk
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

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stiff

2 of 3

verb

1
as in to cut
to deliberately ignore or treat rudely the actress has a reputation for stiffing the press at red-carpet events

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2
as in to squeeze
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

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stiff

3 of 3

noun

1
as in corpse
a dead body to the mortician, a stiff was a stiff and they were all pretty much alike

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2
as in person
a member of the human race one lucky stiff will get the biggest jackpot in the lottery's history

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Synonym Chooser

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

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 stiff
Adjective
While the speed of the game might change against stiffer competition, his ability to see things should translate. —Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 Spoon into prepared baking pan, and spread in an even layer (dough will be stiff and tacky). —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
And for the legions of blue-collar stiffs just like him. —Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025 Say goodbye to stiff towels with these tips for how to make towels soft again. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
Noun
Margouleff sat along a wall, posture stiff, restraining himself from saying something about Sites’s jean jacket. —Nick Paumgarten, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 Mickey 17 was a stiff in its opening weekend at the domestic box office, earning, per The Numbers, $19 million from 3,807 theaters. —Tim Lammers, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stiff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiff
  1. rigid
  2. tough
  3. excessive
  4. hard
  5. uncomfortable
  6. difficult
  7. formal
  8. drunk
Adjective
  • The paper identifies further causes of the continent’s growth problem as the EU’s relatively high energy prices, rigid employment regulations, and a general lack of corporate dynamism and entrepreneurship.
    — Alden Abbott, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Instead, a single rigid substrate integrates everything in one strong, precise piece.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of rigid
Adjective
  • That’s a tough dichotomy to bridge, but the new 2025 911 Carrera GTS achieves it brilliantly.
    — Mark Phelan, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The tough stainless steel loops are reinforced and designed to remain rust-free even after years of use, and a three number combination lock will be easy to remember and difficult to crack.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • Avoid using excessive water to prevent damaging the floors.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Common symptoms include excessive scratching, licking, ear infections, and digestive issues.
    — Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
Definition of excessive
Adjective
  • One of the most important goals is creating a society where everyone can have the ability to succeed through education, hard work, and entrepreneurship.
    — Kristen Edgreen Kaufman, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Developed by AeroVironment, the 20kW LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS) identifies, tracks, and engages a wide variety of targets with hard-kill high energy laser.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of hard
Adjective
  • Candidate quality is an uncomfortable topic for political parties.
    — Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • These gems combine the functionality of a bra with the comfort of a cozy piece of clothing, complete with bra shelves or cups to help support the girls without the need for an extra (and sometimes uncomfortable) wires and layers.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of uncomfortable
Adjective
  • The Bulls look to be the best team in the Group of Five conferences, while the Gators and coach Billy Napier are now under pressure with a difficult SEC schedule ahead.
    — Erick Smith, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Usually the final day of boot camp is most difficult.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • The former officials’ attorneys, represented by former Hunter Biden attorney Abbe Lowell, are seeking back pay and a formal declaration that the firings were unlawful.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The proposal has not yet been presented to the FA Board and there has been no formal vote at EFL level, either.
    — Matt Slater, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of formal
Adjective
  • In Aurora, some of the attendees became drunk and rowdy.
    — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
  • She is raped, half-drunk, at a party and bites off a piece of her attacker’s ear.
    — Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of drunk

Phrases Containing stiff

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sties
stiff
stiff-arm
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Cite this Entry

“Stiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiff. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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