Thesaurus results for 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

stiff 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of stiff next

as in rigid

incapable of or highly resistant to bending use a stiff piece of paper for the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tough

difficult to endure stiff winds

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in uncomfortable

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in difficult

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stiff

2 of 3

noun

as in corpse

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in guy

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stiff

3 of 3

verb

as in to slight

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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