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
Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 18 Feb. 2022
Amidst this controversy, in 1998, Manning met the scientist who would become his unbending ally.
—Timothy Pratt, Discover Magazine, 2 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
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
Amidst this controversy, in 1998, Manning met the scientist who would become his unbending ally.
—Timothy Pratt, Discover Magazine, 2 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
-
Nuno’s habitual talk of ‘bonds’ and understanding feels like a distant memory.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
For deep-space science, the ability to launch heavier, more complex instruments means more ambitious missions, from sample-return expeditions to Jupiter’s moons to large-scale observatories parked in distant orbits.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
These two ingredients mixed together creates a powerful mixture perfect for lifting stubborn stains off grout because of their high cleaning and brightening properties.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Scientists have discovered a cleaner, faster way to recycle one of the world’s most stubborn plastics, not with heat or chemicals, but with sheer mechanical force.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Relax the tail by straightening it out.—
Kathryn Gregory,
Louisville Courier Journal,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Corry said, demonstrating the command of her muscles by flexing and straightening her knees in a quick dip.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
But in listening to separate end-of-season reflections from Tucker and Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, both sides sound detached.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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In the detached home market, there are 9,001 active listings year-to-date, according to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors’ monthly report.—
Sara B. Hansen,
Denver Post,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Whoever wins or doesn’t win, Markman is adamant that trophies don’t define us.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Much to the dismay of Gen Z striving for success with a manageable work-life balance, CEOs are adamant that intense schedules are essential for anyone looking to make it in business.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Frankincense and resins open the composition, mingling with tonka and vanilla bean for a sensual, sophisticated, and addictive aroma that invites you to linger beside a boutique hotel’s flickering fireplace on a cold night.—
Michael Stefanov,
Robb Report,
14 Oct. 2025
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This matching set’s rise to Amazon popularity couldn’t come at a better time, with cold weather and the holidays right around the corner.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Juan, his family, and supporters remain steadfast in their confidence in his innocence and his characters as a hardworking, law-abiding member of society.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
16 Oct. 2025
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At an event held at the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora in Miami, representatives from several universities and civic institutions praised Machado’s courage, nonviolent leadership and steadfast commitment to restoring democracy in her homeland.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
For those in hotter regions (like much of the South in summer), timing those loads of laundry matters for keeping your home cool and efficient, notes Daniel Vasilevski, the Director and Owner of Bright Force Electrical.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
12 Oct. 2025
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There’s nothing cooler than that.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unbending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbending. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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