1
as in distant
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others
the commanding officer's unbending reserve when dealing with subordinates
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
the school's new headmaster is reputed to be an unbending disciplinarian
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in straightening
to cause to follow a line that is without bends or curls
the new highway will largely unbend that twisting path that the old road used to follow
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unbending
Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 18 Feb. 2022
Amidst this controversy, in 1998, Manning met the scientist who would become his unbending ally.
—Timothy Pratt, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2022
Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unbending
Adjective
The result has been a most uncivil war, not fought over ideology, but over loyalty to the former president; not over public policy or economic solutions, but about who can serve as the most unbending conduit of the Republican base’s profound anger.
—Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 18 Feb. 2022
Amidst this controversy, in 1998, Manning met the scientist who would become his unbending ally.
—Timothy Pratt, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2022
Verb
Without unbending her back, the mother arranges her mouth into a placid line.
—Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unbending
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbending
Adjective
-
During the 2020 pandemic in particular, this became an appealing message, giving viewers a place to hang out with optimistic, hopeful TV friends who were delivering comfort from the recent — but now seemingly all-too-distant — past.—
Jennifer Armstrong,
IndieWire,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Across Chinese university campuses, students are also checking out books on Iran to learn why the US wanted to go to war with a country that to them seems distant and mysterious.—
Sylvie Zhuang,
CNN Money,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Consumers were facing stubborn inflation even before the war.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
But the unpopular war with Iran and stubborn affordability issues have given Democrats cause to be more hopeful about their chances of flipping key seats and even winning control of the Senate.—
Kaia Hubbard,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Slowly lower your right arm overhead toward the floor while simultaneously straightening and lowering your left leg a few inches (perform the movement slowly and controlled).—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
1 Apr. 2026
-
According to a report from Emory University, many Black Americans in the late 19th century turned to hair straightening to avoid discrimination.—
Lauren Winfrey,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The title may be clinical and detached; the image on its cover is anything but.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The fire also damaged two neighboring houses and a detached garage.—
Robert A. Cronkleton
March 30,
Kansas City Star,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Following their Play-In loss, Leonard was non-committal about his future, but Frank was adamant about the team’s intentions.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
17 Apr. 2026
-
The police were very adamant from early on in the investigation that no one in the Guthrie family was involved.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Tuesday morning will be cold, with temperatures in the 30s.—
Steven Sosna,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
After the case went cold for decades, advances in DNA technology led to the case being reopened and the baby's body being exhumed in July 2019, KVLY, Valley News Live, and KX News reported.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
For 19 years, its dedicated staff and steadfast supporters have provided vital care to over 100,000 young people across southern Africa, including young people living with HIV/AIDS and those facing mental health challenges.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The league is steadfast about its accuracy.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Made with a lightweight cotton fabric, this bucket hat will keep your face cool on balmy days.—
Claire West,
PEOPLE,
12 Apr. 2026
-
People will see a ton of cool, diverse ideas from us.—
Morgan Korn,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unbending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbending. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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