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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 Managers and board members of the two agencies said that the dispute persisted for years because of inflexible positions, but that negotiations over the last year made possible a comprehensive agreement. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025 Conversely, two-thirds of women who had flexibility in their hours planned to stay at their jobs up to five years, while less than 20% in inflexible positions said the same. Aisha Nyandoro, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 However, severe, inflexible deformities that need aggressive bony carpentry to correct the spine’s alignment carry complication rates up to 60%, with major deformity surgeries posing a 1% mortality risk within a year. Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 Almost two-thirds of US workers struggle with volatile, inflexible work schedules, according to a new national Gallup survey, called the American Job Quality Study, published Tuesday. Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflexible
Adjective
  • The policy change was brought on by President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring that there are only two, unchangeable sexes, the VA said.
    Jo Yurcaba, NBC News, 17 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Set within a military institution, the film continues his exploration of gender and power, aiming to expose and humanize rigid, oppressive systems through personal and emotional storytelling.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 15 July 2025
  • Zara hadn’t become rigid overnight—her views on competence, control and value had been reinforced over decades.
    Diana Lowe, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Growing up in a strict Mennonite community in rural Ohio truly shaped my ethics and values.
    Vogue, Vogue, 11 July 2025
  • That’s not the strict definition of doxxing because the post did not give Butker’s address.
    Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • But earth sign parents can also lean toward being stubborn and strict, which may cause friction during a stand off or while navigating discipline or tough conversations.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2025
  • Economists also will keep an eye on shelter prices, which have been a stubborn component keeping readings higher.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Published in 1915, and already widely accepted worldwide by physicists and mathematicians, the theory assumed the universe was static – unchanging, unmoving and immutable.
    Rob Coyne, Space.com, 13 July 2025
  • This glass brings motion and vitality to an art form typically thought of as static and unchanging, co-authors Lisa Stone and Jim Zanzi point out in their 1991 book, The Art of Fred Smith.
    Paul Nicolaus, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • During his outing, in which Strickland struck out one batter in a scoreless inning, the 36-year-old said the stiff sensation in his arm got worse, causing the IL stint.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
  • An overly stiff top will not only be uncomfortable, but less likely to conform to your body in a flattering manner.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • The loss of trustworthiness in the rigorous and nonpartisan work of the Task Force would devastate patients, hospital systems, and payers as misinformation creates barriers to accessing lifesaving and cost effective care.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
  • Before a potential controller can even step foot in the academy, there’s a rigorous application and qualification process.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • But Galkin is adamant that because their focus was always the victims, Kohberger’s plea deal only changed one thing.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 11 July 2025
  • The call came on what was the hottest day of the year in the U.K., but staff were adamant Moo needed picking up, much to Ford's mild annoyance.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inflexible

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