1
as in unchangeable
not capable of changing or being changed
the inflexible law of gravity
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rigid
incapable of or highly resistant to bending
shoes made of inflexible plastic hurt my feet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in strict
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards
inflexible entry rules for the contest ban anyone who works for the company as well as any of their relatives
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
her inflexible father was unmoved by tears and pleading, and he grounded her anyway
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inflexible
The narrative chronicles Gail’s gradual recognition that her inflexible standards have impinged on her happiness.
—
Heller McAlpin, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Feb. 2025
Joella was voted in the bottom alongside Kori King, and due to a combination of her bulky, inflexible outfit and her not knowing the words to the lip sync song, she was asked to sashay away.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
The Salem witch trials—just a decade before his birth—were a brutal example of the dangers of inflexible belief systems.
—Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
One reason for our collective frustration is that government programs still mimic the outdated assembly line, which uses identical parts (inflexible regulations) to mass produce an identical product (a social outcome).
—Libby Schaaf, TIME, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflexible
Heller McAlpin, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Feb. 2025
Joella was voted in the bottom alongside Kori King, and due to a combination of her bulky, inflexible outfit and her not knowing the words to the lip sync song, she was asked to sashay away.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
The Salem witch trials—just a decade before his birth—were a brutal example of the dangers of inflexible belief systems.
—Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
One reason for our collective frustration is that government programs still mimic the outdated assembly line, which uses identical parts (inflexible regulations) to mass produce an identical product (a social outcome).
—Libby Schaaf, TIME, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflexible
Adjective
-
Challenge Your Assumptions Many people believe their financial situation is unchangeable.—
Juan Carlos Medina,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
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In addition to the orders on health care access and defining the sexes as unchangeable, Trump has also signed orders that open the door to banning transgender people from military service and set up new rules about how schools can teach about gender.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Candidates overly focused on titles, rigid job descriptions, or chain of command may struggle in a fast-changing environment.—
Abdo Riani,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
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Characteristics include rigid food choices, meticulous planning and a focus on food as a source of health rather than pleasure.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But in fact, some parents warn against helicopter parenting, and strict parenting can actually result in more rebellious kids.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
13 Mar. 2025
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However, the movie’s framing has widespread contemporary resonance, and an enormous overlap with how trans issues are discussed, particularly in how individuals who deviate from strict gender norms are so readily demonized by others.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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One daughter, loving but stubborn, leaves for Vilna to study nursing.—
Judith Shulevitz,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2025
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The true top is still stubborn, though: In 2023 women made up just over 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs, 9% of the FTSE CEOs, and 5.4% of CEOs of the S&P Global Broad Market Index.—
Kweilin Ellingrud,
TIME,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Under the change, daylight saving time would be the permanent, unchanging time — not just for Florida, but for the country.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
6 Feb. 2025
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Within this uniformity lay a subtle nod to masculinity in a stern, unchanging form, blending seamlessly into its surroundings, acting as a permanent fixture; a mountain within the forest.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes,
4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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At the center of the storm were Trump’s stiff 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, which were initially paused for a month, then restarted Tuesday, only to be reined in Wednesday and then partially paused for another month on Thursday.—
Christina Wilkie,Kevin Breuninger,
CNBC,
10 Mar. 2025
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Van Belle and Webb were both Red Sox minor leaguers who finished last year at Triple-A, and Moran and Stock were each recent acquisitions who were competing for a spot but who faced stiff competition amid a much deeper Red Sox pitching staff.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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State Department officials interview applicants and submit them to a rigorous screening that includes an FBI background check.—
Tazreena Sajjad,
The Conversation,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Professional gamers adhere to rigorous schedules to refine their craft.—
Adam Rumanek,
Rolling Stone,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Theoretically, then, the pressure is off, but Howe is adamant this season cannot be allowed to peter out.—
Chris Waugh,
The Athletic,
18 Mar. 2025
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And while head coach Carlo Ancelotti was adamant that Alvarez kicked the ball twice, Simeone wasn’t having any of it after being shown a clip of it by Movistar prior to heading to his post-match press conference.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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