1
as in distant
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others
the commanding officer's unbending reserve when dealing with subordinates
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
the school's new headmaster is reputed to be an unbending disciplinarian
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in straightening
to cause to follow a line that is without bends or curls
the new highway will largely unbend that twisting path that the old road used to follow
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unbending
Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 18 Feb. 2022
Amidst this controversy, in 1998, Manning met the scientist who would become his unbending ally.
—Timothy Pratt, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2022
Adding to McConnell's unbending position on the debt ceiling is Democrats' efforts to pass a sweeping $3.5 trillion package that would expand the social safety net and combat climate change.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 1 Oct. 2021
His voice was deep, brawny, and plaintive; his look delicate but unbending and intense.
—Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2021
See All Example Sentences for unbending
Adjective
The result has been a most uncivil war, not fought over ideology, but over loyalty to the former president; not over public policy or economic solutions, but about who can serve as the most unbending conduit of the Republican base’s profound anger.
—Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 18 Feb. 2022
Amidst this controversy, in 1998, Manning met the scientist who would become his unbending ally.
—Timothy Pratt, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2022
Adding to McConnell's unbending position on the debt ceiling is Democrats' efforts to pass a sweeping $3.5 trillion package that would expand the social safety net and combat climate change.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 1 Oct. 2021
His voice was deep, brawny, and plaintive; his look delicate but unbending and intense.
—Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2021
See All Example Sentences for unbending
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbending
Adjective
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What looks like distant diplomacy or marginal disruption is, in fact, defining competitiveness for the decade ahead.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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The magnesium salt flakes loosen up tight shoulders and soothe tired feet, as lavender and clary sage oil turn the day's stresses into far-off, distant memories.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Inflation is stubborn, unemployment is rising and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has even confirmed that Gen Z grads just can’t get a break right now.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Clean With Vinegar And Dish Soap Dish soap cuts through grease and grime to make removing stubborn dirt easier.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
At most, the phone slightly bends before straightening back.—
Senior Reporter,
PC Magazine,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Start by straightening your legs and extending your arms forward if this feels comfortable.—
Health Editorial Team,
Health,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Due to his austere and detached manner, he is known to immediately inspire awe in his patients.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The consensus narrative of institutional finance has become so detached from empirical reality that diagnosing the problem requires abandoning its vocabulary for the precision of mathematics.—
Benjamin D. Summers,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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But while much of record labels’ promotional efforts have shifted to platforms including TikTok, Shinedown has remained adamant about the importance of terrestrial radio.—
Glenn Peoples,
Billboard,
18 Sep. 2025
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In a 24/7 news cycle, Hemmer is adamant about balancing urgency with accuracy.—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Charlie Kirk didn't deserve to be killed in cold blood.—
Newsweek Contributors,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
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After all, who wants to wake up on a crisp winter morning to their feet on cold hardwood?—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
As each one of our kids left for college and then moved out on their own, Chewie remained right there like our steadfast companion.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Sep. 2025
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To Mike Hopkins, your steadfast leadership has been instrumental in shaping Prime Video’s new vision and success.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While cooler temperatures are one factor that causes green leaves to melt into oranges and yellows a wee bit early, there are more elements at play, particularly when leaves in the South start dropping when the kids have only just headed back to school.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
21 Sep. 2025
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Take the Quince Mongolian Cashmere Short Sleeve Mini Dress, for example, with a buttersoft fabric that’s thick enough to keep you warm on cooler nights.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unbending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbending. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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