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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 Organizations continue to grapple with inflexible leadership. Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 But his vision for it was inflexible. Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025 Beyond physical challenges, frequent doctor’s appointments require time off—especially difficult for those with long hours or inflexible schedules. G Kirilloff, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 That often happens when the organization is run as a traditional hierarchy of authority, which is inherently inflexible. Steve Denning, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflexible
Adjective
  • The changes came after President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring that the U.S. government would only recognize two unchangeable sexes, male and female.
    Kaitlyn Schwanemann, NBC news, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Nonlinear optical devices must be crafted with a single, unchangeable function determined during fabrication.
    The Physics arXiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Resilience now comes from adaptive planning, not rigid protocols.
    Toby Wong, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • At every turn, Francis chose radical inclusion over rigid control, and conscience over comfort.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Augusta National Golf Club, where the tournament takes place each April, has a strict no cell phone and cameras rule during the four days of official competition.
    Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 18 Apr. 2025
  • So Read, a 56-year-old sexologist and writer based in Calgary, Canada, developed a strict sleep and bedtime routine.
    Erica Sweeney, SELF, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Traders do see the Fed cutting in June, but much can change between now and then, and a stubborn central bank could set off Trump again.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The most glaring of those misses came against Arsenal in October, with Bournemouth trying to break down a stubborn defence following William Saliba’s dismissal.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Typically, scientists think of cratons as unchanging, nigh on eternal.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025
  • There’s a strong element of passion in it, whereas my dad’s need to save money was a slow-burning, unchanging aspect of his relation to the world.
    Geoff Dyer, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • While a soufflé typically starts by separating egg whites from the yolks and beating the whites until stiff, this recipe skips this step—giving the dish a more casserole-like characteristic with a still-fluffy result.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
  • After tariffs were unveiled earlier this month, the market went into a steep sell-off until Trump issued a 90-day pause on the stiff rates for most countries.
    Sean Conlon, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.
    Keagan Ostop, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Although seeking refugee protection might come to mind, qualifying for refugee protection involves a complex, rigorous process that involves meeting a multi-pronged legal test.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Since then, White House officials have remained adamant about sticking by Hegseth, even as criticism has mounted in recent weeks and questions about his judgment have resurfaced.
    Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the significant decline, the Trump administration is adamant about shoring up the border to ensure it is left secure before leaving office.
    Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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