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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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
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Hare adds that this strategy will help eliminate the distant feeling that can exist in larger spaces or within more formal layouts.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Mar. 2026
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On the other hand, their far more inefficient electrochemical distant cousin, the human body, generates enough heat to boil over 100 cups of tea daily and is literally just chillin'.—
Etiido Uko
March 04,
New Atlas,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In business, this same perseverance can be invaluable when navigating competitive and fluctuating markets, stubborn problems or enduring long timelines that don’t pay immediate dividends but for which the rewards are worth the wait.—
Paul Fitzgerald,
Rolling Stone,
3 Mar. 2026
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For stubborn black spots, make a paste using baking soda and a small amount of water.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Slowly slide your heel back out, straightening your leg.—
Stephanie Anderson Witmer,
Health,
26 Feb. 2026
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Its purpose is to improve the external appearance of the nose by removing a hump, refining the tip, straightening the bridge, or making the nose appear smaller and more balanced with the rest of the face.—
Carlos Wolf,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The property’s biggest surprise may be its detached guest house, which is ready for visitors, multigenerational living or for working from home.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
22 Feb. 2026
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Senate Bill 1277 would cut text limiting what counts as an ADU, essentially allowing detached ADUs with the same consideration as apartments inside a home.—
Mark Dee,
Idaho Statesman,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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What is that key meant to represent, and why was Mycroft so adamant about Sherlock literally and figuratively closing that book and moving on with his life?—
Max Gao,
Variety,
5 Mar. 2026
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Getting everyone on board As the legislative committee develops initiatives to help cut down red tape, Wicks is adamant that new state regulations are just one piece of the puzzle that municipalities must also solve.—
Amancai Biraben,
Daily News,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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There’s a ladies’ and a gentlemen’s flanking the stairwell on this upper entry level, each outfitted with a cold plunge, sauna, steam room, and showers inside and out.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 Mar. 2026
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Blasted off, still alive The researchers chose Deinococcus radiodurans, a bacterium known for surviving extreme radiation, cold, dryness, and other harsh conditions.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Not all the time, not in a deeply debilitating way, but enough that his ongoing battle with right-knee tendinitis has become part of his tennis-playing identity — as much as his astute court acumen, steadfast competitiveness and Southern California charisma.—
Douglas Robson,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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Guardians, Clase want answers about his salary Whereas Ortiz’s counsel asked for the trial to be pushed to a later date, Clase’s camp has been steadfast that the trial remain in May.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Breathable mesh accents keep your feet cool and dry all day, while the anti-microbial, anti-odor insole technology keeps everything extra fresh, even in sticky weather.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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As the name implies, this cool dessert is a true delight.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unbending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbending. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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