INFLEXIBLE Synonyms: 230 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

inflexible

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈflek-sə-bəl

Definition of inflexible next

as in unchangeable

not capable of changing or being changed the inflexible law of gravity

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rigid

incapable of or highly resistant to bending shoes made of inflexible plastic hurt my feet

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 But here’s the issue: SaaS is inflexible in a world where businesses now require real-time, dynamic and intelligent orchestration across systems and touchpoints. —

Lora Kratchounova, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 My sister is more practical with her nostalgia and has long graduated to eating it the way the adults in our family do—plunging a spoonful of rice directly into the green soup—but my childhood rituals are entrenched and inflexible. —

Kristina Kasparian, Longreads, 12 Nov. 2024 Julie Mortier's is a familiar story among seniors with inflexible incomes. —

Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Sep. 2024 The dress was so difficult to move in, Tyla had to be lifted up the stairs in the inflexible dress, which ultimately became one of the most viral moments of the night. —

Chiara Kim, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inflexible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflexible

Adjective

Myth #3: Social determinants of health are static and unchangeable.

Sean Fogarty, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
And yet the show has a soothing effect, predicated on the idea that human behavior (and misery) isn’t mysterious or unchangeable.

Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 6 Dec. 2024