1
as in unchangeable
not capable of changing or being changed
the inflexible law of gravity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Gold’s supply curve is significantly more inflexible than markets assume — and this rigidity is important when demand is driven by structural factors rather than speculation.
—
Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Kyle Boddy, the founder of Driveline, the seminal program for velocity training, said a hard-throwing pitcher is not going to manage his velocity on an inflexible pitch count.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2026
Amorim’s critics viewed him as inflexible, though his tactics were successful elsewhere.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Kids get sick; day cares open and close; jobs are inflexible.
—Lauren Hilgers, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflexible
Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Kyle Boddy, the founder of Driveline, the seminal program for velocity training, said a hard-throwing pitcher is not going to manage his velocity on an inflexible pitch count.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2026
Amorim’s critics viewed him as inflexible, though his tactics were successful elsewhere.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Kids get sick; day cares open and close; jobs are inflexible.
—Lauren Hilgers, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflexible
Adjective
-
Privacy advocates have warned about the risks of identity verification like World’s, as iris scans are unchangeable and could cause all manner of havoc in the wrong hands.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order proclaiming that the U.S. recognizes only two unchangeable sexes, male and female.—
Zach Schonfeld,
The Hill,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The mechanical layout provides sufficient reach and flexibility to manipulate soft materials, which is significantly more challenging than handling rigid objects, reports Techeblog.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
-
If the plan is to adorn the tank with hiding places or other interactive pieces, steer clear of sharp or rigid objects.—
Sierra Leone Starks,
Parents,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Freezer operations typically require specialized protective gear, shorter shifts, and strict exposure limits, all of which drive higher labor costs.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Places like Los Angeles and Oakland have high permit fees and strict zoning that often confines cans to industrial areas.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
If that doesn’t solve the problem, try scrubbing stubborn spots with Bar Keeper’s Friend and a nonabrasive sponge.—
Jessica Elliott,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Rusk recommends using wash and styling products that don’t contain silicones (like dimethicone), which can cause a stubborn coating to accumulate that clogs follicles on the scalp and prevents the hair from absorbing moisturizing ingredients.—
Rebecca Strong,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
For people accustomed to the idea that nature was eternal and unchanging, Holmes observes, the idea of extinction was profoundly troubling.—
Kathryn Schulz,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Given the themes of mental illness and its treatments, those who follow meditation may note the allusion to the Blue Sky practice, where thoughts and emotions are seen as passing clouds against the backdrop of a constant, unchanging blue sky that represents the mind.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Xavier Worthy #1 of the Kansas City Chiefs stiff arms Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.—
Tom Chitty,
CNBC,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Torgashev faced stiff competition, with other skaters landing more quadruple jumps and earning more points as a result.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
These athletes spend their lives focusing on building physical strength through rigorous training and diets that are honed to provide the nutrients necessary to excel at their sport.—
Emily Hemendinger,
The Conversation,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Every mortgage article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of financial products.—
Kelsey Neubauer,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Norma Padgett Upshaw, who remained adamant that the four men were the ones involved in her assault, died in 2024.—
News Service Of Florida,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Suleyman’s vision for Microsoft Suleyman is adamant about the technology’s potential.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
