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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 Even before Trump returned to power on Jan. 20, 2025, the U.S. had become one of the most expensive, paperwork-heavy, inflexible, and unpredictable countries for touring artists to enter. Alex Ashley, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025 Some sources, like nuclear energy, are reliable but inflexible. Erin Baker, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025 Make sure all backup data is encrypted and inflexible. Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025 Excessive workloads, inflexible hours, and constant connectivity erode mental health, and no amount of lunchtime yoga can make up for that. Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflexible
Adjective
  • In his first weeks in office, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders targeting trans rights, including one stating the U.S. government would recognize only two unchangeable sexes and another barring trans people from military service.
    Brooke Sopelsa, NBC news, 13 May 2025
  • But these unchangeable circumstances don't stop military spouses from taking charge of their own lives.
    Grace Harrington, People.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Mature systems progress from rigid, bespoke solutions to agile solutions that evolve with business needs.
    Kyle Campos, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • For boys, this issue is compounded by rigid ideas about masculinity that discourage emotional and physical closeness.
    Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • There is a strict bag policy in place at the stadium, and all restrictions will be enforced.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 5 June 2025
  • No new stores that sell certain pets will be allowed to open in Manatee County and existing pet sellers and breeders will face stricter regulations under new rules passed unanimously Tuesday by county leaders.
    Ryan Ballogg, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Still, the stubborn media silence continued unabated.
    Nate Rogers, Vulture, 22 May 2025
  • United needed to play perfect football to unlock a stubborn defence, but struggled to push past competency.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • On top of this, REITs can change their investment strategy annually, making the investment journey anything but steady and unchanging.
    Chay Lapin, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • The animation in short films up until that point had been silly, vaudeville-inflected; mostly featuring animals because humans were too hard to draw in an appealing way — mostly with static and unchanging expressions, on flat, simplistic backgrounds.
    Constance Grady, Vox, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • From my perspective as a space policy expert, these events signal problems ahead for a space agency that now faces stiff competition in space exploration from the commercial sector.
    Wendy Whitman Cobb, The Conversation, 3 June 2025
  • Recipe Tips for Homemade Butter Mints A stand mixer works best for getting the stiff dough smooth.
    Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • These days, most people delivering your forecasts are scientists with rigorous training in calculus, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, atmospheric physics and the other meteorological coursework.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • The Council for Higher Education Accreditation ensures accrediting agencies uphold rigorous standards.
    Hanna Park, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Following Meghan's statements, Eldridge is adamant that her relatable role isn't convincing.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025
  • In early previews and pre-release memos, the developers have been adamant that, despite targeting a more casual audience with some more forgiving elements, this is meant to be enjoyed by people who have spent hundreds of hours in the main game and its 2024 expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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