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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 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
Adding to McConnell's unbending position on the debt ceiling is Democrats' efforts to pass a sweeping $3.5 trillion package that would expand the social safety net and combat climate change.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 1 Oct. 2021
His voice was deep, brawny, and plaintive; his look delicate but unbending and intense.
—Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2021
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
Adding to McConnell's unbending position on the debt ceiling is Democrats' efforts to pass a sweeping $3.5 trillion package that would expand the social safety net and combat climate change.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 1 Oct. 2021
His voice was deep, brawny, and plaintive; his look delicate but unbending and intense.
—Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2021
See All Example Sentences for unbending
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbending
Adjective
-
New James Webb Space Telescope observations have shed light on a distant world with no sun.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Over the centuries, Muslim traders built mosques and schools in sedate Tamale, which was more inland and distant from the direct links of the transatlantic slave and colonial trade.—
Edna Bonhomme,
Artforum,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, these small canines are energetic, bold and stubborn.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Both options meant navigating some stubborn supporters.—
Kevin Coulson,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Corry said, demonstrating the command of her muscles by flexing and straightening her knees in a quick dip.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Why spend hours straightening and perfecting when this wig comes ready-made for that polished, effortless vibe?—
Noel Cymone Walker,
StyleCaster,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Due to his austere and detached manner, he is known to immediately inspire awe in his patients.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The consensus narrative of institutional finance has become so detached from empirical reality that diagnosing the problem requires abandoning its vocabulary for the precision of mathematics.—
Benjamin D. Summers,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
To their credit, Wild GM Bill Guerin and owner Craig Leipold were adamant that wasn’t going to happen and got a deal done.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
-
His family, as well as his legal team, are adamant that Combs has been rehabilitated and should be released.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Warm water lifts grime better and helps deep clean better than cold.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Zinc perchlorate remains primarily in the liquid to control the ion movement and improve the battery’s freeze resistance for cold-weather performance.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Since trading for Mitchell in the summer of 2022, Cleveland has held steadfast in the belief that its contention window truly opens when Mobley is up for it.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Despite the growing frustration surrounding the play, Payton remains steadfast in his belief that the play should not be outlawed.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
These foundations include having a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, avoiding technology use at night, and cultivating a cool, dark and quiet sleeping environment.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
28 Sep. 2025
-
We got disconnected, and this whole resurgence of The Clique online has reconnected us in this really cool, organic and magical way.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unbending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbending. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share