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
-
There, the music switches to distant, classical pomp and the actor takes a seat at a tidy press junket-style set.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Electric aviation is far from a distant dream in 2025.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
These two ingredients mixed together creates a powerful mixture perfect for lifting stubborn stains off grout because of their high cleaning and brightening properties.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Scientists have discovered a cleaner, faster way to recycle one of the world’s most stubborn plastics, not with heat or chemicals, but with sheer mechanical force.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 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
-
Ultimately, Weitzman says, while some people view the humor through an ironic or detached lens, the movie is made with an honesty that isn’t always depicted in comedy.—
William Earl,
Variety,
6 Oct. 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
Paxton, however, has remained adamant that Roberson is guilty of murder.—
Erik Ortiz,
NBC news,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Republicans remain adamant that any action on, and the details of, reviving the subsidies would have to wait until the government reopens.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Frankincense and resins open the composition, mingling with tonka and vanilla bean for a sensual, sophisticated, and addictive aroma that invites you to linger beside a boutique hotel’s flickering fireplace on a cold night.—
Michael Stefanov,
Robb Report,
14 Oct. 2025
-
This matching set’s rise to Amazon popularity couldn’t come at a better time, with cold weather and the holidays right around the corner.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
And yet, flipping through Erdem’s new book with him in his showroom — a celebration of 20 years in business — I was struck by how steadfast his vision remains.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
8 Oct. 2025
-
However, the qualities that have driven the company this far, resilience, innovation, and a steadfast dedication to people and partners, will continue to be at the heart of its efforts going forward.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
For those in hotter regions (like much of the South in summer), timing those loads of laundry matters for keeping your home cool and efficient, notes Daniel Vasilevski, the Director and Owner of Bright Force Electrical.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
12 Oct. 2025
-
There’s nothing cooler than that.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unbending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbending. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share