stiff-arm

verb

ˈstif-ˌärm How to pronounce stiff-arm (audio)
Definition of stiff-armnext
as in to isolate
to deliberately ignore or treat rudely in his sad and lonely old age, he stiff-armed even once-beloved friends

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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-arm With the administration likely to again stiff-arm their requests, seeking corporate communications with Trump officials could be an easier way in. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 5 June 2026 The next game, stiff-arming guys. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026 After stiff-arming challengers on the front 9, Cink played free and easy. — Jay Paris, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026 The 24-song set reeled in an impressive 280,000 equivalent album units, stiff-arming a surging Bad Bunny from pole position. — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stiff-arm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiff-arm
  1. isolate
  2. stiff
  3. reject
  4. repulse
  5. cut
  6. cold-shoulder
  7. repel
  8. snub
Verb
  • Lip liner ranked among the strongest prestige makeup segments, though those numbers don’t isolate demand for concealer lips or anti-blush specifically.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The investigation is ongoing, but preliminarily, investigators believe the shooting was isolated and there’s no ongoing threat to the public, Kellogg said.
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of isolate
Verb
  • Primitive feathers O’Connor said some of the feathers looked highly similar to those present today in modern birds, with a central spine having a square cross section that would have helped make the feather stiff yet lightweight.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026
  • But, no, the Kittrells attempted to stiff their creditors entirely by way of their Children's Trust.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of stiff
Verb
  • But right-wing parties that would need to be part of his coalition could reject that option.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Human Rights Watch said those expulsions amounted to war crimes, a charge that Israel rejects.
    — Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of reject
Verb
  • Her widowed aunt plays chaperone as Susanna attends heady lectures and repulses her many suitors.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Young people just aren’t interested, partly because they’re repulsed by bodily fluids.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of repulse
Verb
  • Jovany Barragan’s second field goal — a 35-yarder on an untimed down — cut Serra’s deficit to 21-6 at halftime.
    — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The verdict came just three days after regulators seized Ueno Bank, cutting nearly 3 million customers off from their savings and bank cards and setting off a political crisis.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of cut
Verb
  • One cringe-inducing scene shows George Michael literally cold-shoulder the esteemed director.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 28 July 2026
  • Consignment stores rely on stocking items that feel current, so anything that screams a specific past era—think cold-shoulder tops or a bandage dress—isn’t likely to make the cut.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
Definition of cold-shoulder
Verb
  • Leading brands, such as Cliganic, NATPAT and BugMD, use essential oils, like citronella and peppermint oil among others, as the active ingredients to repel pesty bloodsuckers.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Ion-generating toothbrushes release charged particles to induce a polarity that helps repel plaque, for example.
    — Mike McRae, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of repel
Verb
  • Notre Dame, meanwhile, opted out of its bowl game when it got snubbed from the playoffs.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
  • In April, Carey was also snubbed of an induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for the third year in a row.
    — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of snub

Browse Nearby Words

stiff
stiff-arm
stiff-armed
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Cite this Entry

“Stiff-arm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiff-arm. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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