UNBENDING Synonyms: 215 Similar and Opposite Words

unbending 1 of 2

adjective

ˌən-ˈben-diŋ

Definition of unbending

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

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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 the school's new headmaster is reputed to be an unbending disciplinarian

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

unbending

2 of 2

verb

present participle of unbend

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

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

Adjective

That narcissism, combined with a lack of understanding regarding the risks of the Titan, resulted in an unbending belief in his own creation. — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 11 June 2025 Amidst this controversy, in 1998, Manning met the scientist who would become his unbending ally. — Timothy Pratt, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2022

Verb

Without unbending her back, the mother arranges her mouth into a placid line. — Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unbending

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbending

Adjective

As the Coast Starlight approaches the Bay Area, the train glides past marshlands, open water, and distant city skylines before continuing toward California’s Central Coast.

— Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026
They were received by distant unknown relatives and made their way to Kensington, Illinois, a railroad community on Chicago’s South Side, historically tied to Calumet Junction and the industrial economy that helped shape the region.

— Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of distant

Adjective

Colombia earned its passage into the round of 16 with a 1-0 win over stubborn Ghana.

— Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Pickle Robot’s Physical AI unloaders tackle the dock door bottleneck, which is a stubborn pain point in inbound logistics, while AmbiStack handles the structured, high-volume stacking that feeds downstream operations.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 6 July 2026

Definition of stubborn

Verb

Cropping and Noise Reduction The Crop tool includes straightening with an on-screen protractor for angle measurement.

— Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026
For Straight, Hydrated Strands Wavytalk The steam technology in this straightening tool infuses moisture into your hair, reduces frizz and minimizes heat damage while delivering sleek, pin-straight results.

— V BRAND STORIES, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Definition of straightening

Adjective

While waiting to go to court, Zaayer remained adamant that Shawna needed to go to prison but was also convinced that David — who worked at the nearby jail — was protecting his wife from receiving an adequate punishment, per The Guardian.

— Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
But Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has been adamant that there are not enough votes in the Senate to pass the legislation, given the 60-vote filibuster threshold.

— Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2026

Definition of adamant

Adjective

Next to him, the waters of Lincoln’s Sinking Spring still ran cold.

— Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 2026
If time doesn’t allow for spa treatments, a morning swim in the indoor pool accompanied by a sauna and cold plunge in one of their two thermal suites might suffice.

— Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of cold

Adjective

To his supporters, Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the steadfast, fearless leader who transcended mere politics and inspired devotion.

— Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Each project generated steadfast opposition from the city's neighborhoods, calling into question how the city should regulate the advanced technology centers.

— Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026

Definition of steadfast

Adjective

The fabric feels cool against my skin and never sticks or clings, even on warmer nights.

— Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
Of course, when training in heat and humidity, staying hydrated is critical as well as attempts to stay as cool as possible when training during hot temperatures.

— Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of cool

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“Unbending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbending. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unbending

adjective

verb

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