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
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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
Timothy Pratt, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2022
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
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
Amidst this controversy, in 1998, Manning met the scientist who would become his unbending ally.
—Timothy Pratt, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2022
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
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
-
The film is composed of three stories, all concerning the relationships between adult children, their somewhat distant parent or parents, and each other.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
31 July 2025
-
Constructed in the form of a triptych, the movie tells three stories exploring relationships between adult children, their somewhat distant parent (or parents), and each other.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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Beneath its surface were deep, dark scars—grooves cut through the rock by old lava flows, now overgrown with stubborn green.—
Tess Moormans,
Travel + Leisure,
27 July 2025
-
The fizzing reaction can help remove stubborn residues.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
27 July 2025
Verb
-
Some Black women have turned to consistent heat-styling and chemical straightening treatments to more easily manage their natural hair.—
Annie Blay,
Allure,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Lift the barbell by straightening your legs and back simultaneously, keeping your core engaged and your back flat.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
What about Davis, who has a lengthy injury history and underwent surgery to repair a detached retina this summer?—
Christian Clark,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
-
White Lake Township Chief of Police Daniel Keller said in a news release the homeowner was alerted through his video surveillance system that seven individuals had broken into his detached garage.—
Mike Stunson
July 10,
Kansas City Star,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Since camp got underway, he's been adamant that winning games is far more important than his personal stats.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
-
Liverpool communicated an interest in acquiring the Sweden international for around £120m, though Newcastle have been adamant for months that Isak is not for sale.—
David Ornstein,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
In terms of coffee, try the banana bread cold brew latte, which contains banana, cookie butter and cinnamon cold brew with banana cold foam on top for $6. 5.—
Molly Gregory,
The Courier-Journal,
29 July 2025
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And despite a cold stretch lately, the San Diego Padres still hold the No. 3 NL wild-card position.—
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
Adjective
-
Our volunteer firefighters represent the best of us, exemplifying a steadfast commitment to service and sacrifice.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
29 July 2025
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Greek life, despite its understandable divisiveness, is a steadfast tradition on most Southern college campuses.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
27 July 2025
Adjective
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The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts a cool and wet fall for the Midwest, with September seeing early snow and frequent rain in Michigan.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
31 July 2025
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These five cocktail bars — the swankiest, most creative, coolest in the nation — are among the selections in our second annual USA TODAY Bars of the Year list.—
Susan Stapleton,
AZCentral.com,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unbending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbending. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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