1
as in unchangeable
not capable of changing or being changed
the inflexible law of gravity
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inflexible
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
He isn’t afflicted by the curse of Englishness, with its inflexible binaries, its violent categorizations of humans, its shaping even of their most secret and shameful desires.
—Rachel Cusk, Harper's Magazine, 19 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
Three-quarters of San Diego’s expenses are inflexible and committed to pension and bond payments, which must be made, and public safety, where politicians and taxpayers usually don’t want significant cuts.
—Mariana Trujillo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflexible
G Kirilloff, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
He isn’t afflicted by the curse of Englishness, with its inflexible binaries, its violent categorizations of humans, its shaping even of their most secret and shameful desires.
—Rachel Cusk, Harper's Magazine, 19 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
Three-quarters of San Diego’s expenses are inflexible and committed to pension and bond payments, which must be made, and public safety, where politicians and taxpayers usually don’t want significant cuts.
—Mariana Trujillo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflexible
Adjective
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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
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Nonlinear optical devices must be crafted with a single, unchangeable function determined during fabrication.—
The Physics arXiv Blog,
Discover Magazine,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Mirroring the intricate pattern of the pants, the shirt featured a short, boxy, oversize fit made of rigid cotton denim with a jacquard-weave pattern and a baggy, extra-loose silhouette.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2025
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For entrepreneurs, this highlights the importance of broadening their outlook when faced with obstacles, as rigid thinking can lead to costly mistakes.—
Wilson Luna,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Some venues, such as London's fabric, encourage a phone-free environment through guidance rather than strict enforcement.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Apr. 2025
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First, monitor how Asian hubs respond to the surprising success of Singapore’s stricter regime - will Hong Kong double down on flexibility or pivot toward stability?—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Despite growing consternation and concern expressed by economists and CEOs, Trump administration officials have been stubborn in defending its trade policies.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
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Ocasio-Cortez might have a good shot at cracking that stubborn nut.—
Laura Washington,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Presuming any group to be unchanging stood in the way of understanding evolutionary changes.—
John P. Jackson,
The Conversation,
10 Apr. 2025
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These unchanging elements can serve as anchors during turbulent times.—
Susanne Biro,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Both have long been interested in the payments sector—Musk’s X has acquired money transmitter licenses in many states, while Facebook tried to launch its own cryptocurrency, Libra, in 2019 before facing stiff criticism and regulatory scrutiny.—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
4 Apr. 2025
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Swank is currently predicted to face stiff competition in the guest actress category, particularly from standout performers in some of this year’s top series contenders.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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That’s the cost of such rigorous theming: Since you’re supposed to be inside a game, anything that gets in the way of that illusion is banned.—
Todd Anderson,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
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There are a variety of platforms that can support rigorous experimentation and analysis.—
Roli Saxena,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Paul has been adamant that the tariffs won’t help the U.S. His frustration with the tariffs came as seven GOP senators signed on to a bipartisan bill that sought to have Congressional oversight over the president’s tariffs.—
Lauren Irwin,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
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The 12-time Emmy award-winner was also adamant about sharing her cancer journey with her audience—hoping that her experience might offer support and guidance to others facing similar challenges.—
Joanne Fowler,
People.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflexible. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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