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 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 Indiana kept its circle tight and held its belief tighter, stiff-arming infiltrators and doubters with equal authority. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Jan. 2026 In that sense, stiff-arming Disney is not likely to result in long-term satisfied customers. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 Nov. 2025 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
  • Rice University researchers have found a way to isolate a single magnetic domain in manganese telluride, giving them a clearer view of its magnetic structure and a new way to control an electrical effect in the material.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Some of them, like Kirwin—a former gold and silver boomtown deep in the Absaroka Mountains—are impossibly isolated, accessible only by ATV.
    — Téa Obreht, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of isolate
Verb
  • But, no, the Kittrells attempted to stiff their creditors entirely by way of their Children's Trust.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Sutherland further emphasizes this point, saying that calcium and magnesium in hard water can be absorbed into the cotton, making the towels stiff and irritating.
    — Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of stiff
Verb
  • Craig has blamed Flanagan for a lack of oversight and accountability, allegations that Flanagan rejects.
    — Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The Braves were rejected by former Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom at the trade deadline.
    — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of reject
Verb
  • Most Americans are repulsed by the core ideas of radical leftists.
    — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Philly may be shedding its second-fiddle status, but it remains entirely repulsed by frauds and underachievers.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Definition of repulse
Verb
  • Low-flow plumbing fixtures and water-saving showerheads cut water consumption, and LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances lower overall energy use.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Humanitarian aid to Afghanistan – which is needed by approximately 45% of the population – has been dramatically cut by international donors since the Taliban returned to power, with women and girls bearing the brunt of those cuts.
    — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 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
  • Baking soda mixed with powdered sugar can repel ants and cockroaches.
    — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The narrator, though curious to speak herself, is finally repelled.
    — Maya Binyam, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of repel
Verb
  • Game officials intervened and even threatened to throw a penalty flag if Miami snubbed the pre-game handshake.
    — Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • LeBron snubs Heat for Philly, Spain celebrates World Cup, Messi rests as MLS resumes, football returns as Dolphins/Canes open camps, Marlins’ skid at 11 and more.
    — Greg Cote July 26, Miami Herald, 26 July 2026
Definition of snub

Browse Nearby Words

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stiff-arm
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Cite this Entry

“Stiff-arm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiff-arm. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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