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
-
Genealogy investigations have had major success stories Successfully using the DNA of distant family members to profile and narrow down suspects had an extraordinarily high-profile debut in 2018, when it was used to solve the cold case of the Golden State Killer.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The oldest American woman to compete in the women’s singles event in nearly a century now sits in a distant 13th place ahead of the 4-minute free skate on Thursday night.—
Brittany Ghiroli,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
One person refuses to bow — not an army, not a revolution, one stubborn Jew minding his own business — and Haman cannot function.—
Rabbi Bruce D. Forman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Scrub gently with a soft sponge or brush, focusing on stubborn areas.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Bring your right elbow toward your left knee while straightening your right leg.—
RikkiLynn Shields Hannigan,
Health,
31 Jan. 2026
-
So instead of getting up and immediately straightening the covers, go through your usual morning routine before circling back.—
Caroline Lubinsky,
Martha Stewart,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
Yes, all of these songs coast primarily on vibes—Joji’s delivery remains detached and clinical throughout—but at least the vibes are compelling.—
Mehan Jayasuriya,
Pitchfork,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite the heartbreaking details surrounding Dane’s death and his disease, Dempsey was adamant about remembering Dane before his ALS diagnosis.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
20 Feb. 2026
-
My dad was clear and adamant that his choice was to stay in Minneapolis.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Gophers and Ducks were both ice cold in the first half, with the U holding an unsightly 22-13 lead.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The Antarctic Ocean is heavily layered, or stratified, to a depth of around 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) because of conflicting properties including colder, denser water from below not readily mixing with fresh water running off melting ice from above.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Swift's more recent looks oscillate between retro-glam styles and timeless, polished looks aligned with a movement toward quiet luxury trends—though her now-iconic bangs remain a steadfast companion.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
16 Feb. 2026
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Now running for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts after serving in the Legislature for almost two decades, Kelly is ready to put his experience and steadfast values to work protecting taxpayers and keeping Texas state government strong, prosperous, and accountable.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But then a cool day turned into a cold one, more spectators holding coffee cups than beer cans.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Other gifts are often produced in tandem with local fashion designers or curated by the city’s coolest design shops.—
Clodagh Kinsella,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unbending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbending. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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