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Synonym Chooser

How is the word inflexible distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words rigid and stiff are common synonyms of inflexible. While all three words mean "difficult to bend," inflexible stresses lack of suppleness or pliability.

ski boots with inflexible soles

In what contexts can rigid take the place of inflexible?

The words rigid and inflexible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rigid applies to something so stiff that it cannot be bent without breaking.

a rigid surfboard

When might stiff be a better fit than inflexible?

The meanings of stiff and inflexible largely overlap; however, stiff may apply to any degree of this condition.

stretching keeps your muscles from becoming stiff

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 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Sheldrick, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 One reason for our collective frustration is that government programs still mimic the outdated assembly line, which uses identical parts (inflexible regulations) to mass produce an identical product (a social outcome).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
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
  • 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
  • This creates a culture where continuous learning—not rigid certainty—becomes the norm.
    Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Following the successful Maidan Revolution, one way Ukrainian chefs and customers expressed themselves was freeing their palates of rigid culinary bonds.
    Tim Mak, Bon Appétit, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • Another type of hyperpigmentation that kojic acid can help with is melasma—a stubborn and hard-to-treat skin condition characterized by splotchy, brown or grayish patches.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Like this Fire sign, Drizella is unapologetically stubborn and impatience, believing she is entitled to nothing but the best.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Facing those challenges, top education officials moved to eliminate the elementary school at P.S. 76, and merge grades 6-8 with Mott Hall II, a nearby middle school that is adding a rigorous high school program.
    Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Warner was adamant that oppressors should be stopped not only using military force, but also with intellectual muscle and dialogue.
    Chris Yogerst / Made by History, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
  • House Speaker Daniel Perez, a Miami Republican who championed the law in 2022, has been adamant that mandatory financial reserves for building maintenance are essential in preventing another building from crumbling to the ground.
    Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inflexible

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