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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 unbending
Timothy Pratt, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2022
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
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
Amidst this controversy, in 1998, Manning met the scientist who would become his unbending ally.
—Timothy Pratt, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2022
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
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
-
Growing up, my family would occasionally pile into the car and drive to distant locations for very brief vacations.—
Jason Foodman,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
-
But far from being from a distant cosmic source, researchers determined that the fast radio burst (FRB) actually came from the 60's satellite in Earth orbit.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
All of which can be employed by Musk or anyone else using AI to target us with false political advertising tailored to our most stubborn biases, further dividing us, manipulating elections and solidifying what has already become a fascist state.—
Sal Recchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 June 2025
-
Then Curry, rattled by the monumental reverb of Kyrie’s shot, hurried into a stubborn approach on the ensuing possession, missed a desperate 3 over Kevin Love, who used his length and a rare display of defensive intensity to deny Curry a good look.—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
Verb
-
Some Black women have turned to consistent heat-styling and chemical straightening treatments to more easily manage their natural hair.—
Annie Blay,
Allure,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Lift the barbell by straightening your legs and back simultaneously, keeping your core engaged and your back flat.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
There’s a gated driveway and car port tucked way off and alley, and a detached prefab ADU by Jason Halter of Wonder has a outside entrance from the street and adds another bedroom.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
14 June 2025
-
Managing national security affairs is not a detached experiment.—
Arthur House,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2025
Adjective
-
Football has typically accepted these lapses and quietly moved on, adamant that the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PED) is primarily a problem for other sports.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
-
It’s become the latest project that’s caused high tension among Prairie Village residents — with a new group that’s formed to rally residents to push against the city’s plans, while others are adamant for its approval.—
Taylor O’Connor,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
And Some Ice Cream Cream City Ice Cream & Coffeehouse has more than 40 homemade flavors to choose from, plus hot and cold espresso drinks.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
22 June 2025
-
Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, causes tooth pain in response to heat, cold, air flow, or light touch.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
21 June 2025
Adjective
-
Despite setbacks — including talks of a walkout, which stalled when leadership got wind of the strategic move — the cheerleaders remained steadfast in their pursuit.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
25 June 2025
-
Hamas has remained steadfast against Israel’s attacks in Gaza.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
Experts say there are ways to save while still staying cool this summer.—
Talia Wexler,
CNBC,
24 June 2025
-
Millions of people in the U.S. are trying to stay cool as the summer's first major heat wave continues to create dangerous conditions across the Midwest and along the East Coast.—
Julia Simon,
NPR,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unbending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbending. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share