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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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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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 Categorical and inflexible refusals destroy creativity and the opportunity for dialogue. —

Anna Jankowska, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 Belau also stresses that early booking is particularly important if your travel dates are inflexible. —

Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2024 From Bloomberg: The primary reason is not a lack of consumer interest, but regulatory roadblocks erected by inflexible public officials who are preventing Americans from enjoying some of the world’s most creative, exciting and practical innovations in urban mobility. —

Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik, Quartz, 4 Oct. 2024 The restrictions have a disproportionate impact on people who are low-income, have inflexible work schedules or have limited access to transportation, the judge noted. —

Becky Bohrer and Gene Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inflexible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflexible

Adjective

Given that dApps and smart contracts are unchangeable, extensive pre-launch testing and the development of new QA approaches specifically designed for Web 3.0. are necessary.

Dzmitry Lubneuski, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
Your ex-wife’s will and trust is an unchangeable document.

Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2024