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
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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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unbending
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
Taking fright, however, was not in his character, Mr. Putsila said in an interview at the office of Nexta, the opposition news organization where Mr. Protasevich established himself as one of Mr. Lukashenko’s most effective and unbending critics.
—New York Times, 25 May 2021
Extremists in Afghanistan, in essence, control both sides of that equation — keeping up the violence to help their position in talks now, while holding to their goal of a return to an unbending Islamic rule later.
—Mujib Mashal, New York Times, 25 Sep. 2020
See All Example Sentences for unbending
Adjective
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.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbending
Adjective
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To be clear: The consumer version of a psychiatric BCI like Inner Cosmos’ Digital Pill may be just as distant or hypothetical as any other BCI.—
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Placing in a distant second was Trump Jr., with 12%.—
Adjective
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Despite growing consternation and concern expressed by economists and CEOs, Trump administration officials have been stubborn in defending its trade policies.—
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Ocasio-Cortez might have a good shot at cracking that stubborn nut.—
Verb
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Some Black women have turned to consistent heat-styling and chemical straightening treatments to more easily manage their natural hair.—
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Lift the barbell by straightening your legs and back simultaneously, keeping your core engaged and your back flat.—
Adjective
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In addition to the main floor porch, the property has a large detached deck close to shore for waterside entertaining. Take a look around...—
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The property comes with a detached garage with a stylish glass garage door and a car charger.—
Adjective
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Paul has been adamant that the tariffs won’t help the U.S. His frustration with the tariffs came as seven GOP senators signed on to a bipartisan bill that sought to have Congressional oversight over the president’s tariffs.—
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The 12-time Emmy award-winner was also adamant about sharing her cancer journey with her audience—hoping that her experience might offer support and guidance to others facing similar challenges.—
Adjective
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This oral rinse provides relief from tooth pain and discomfort triggered by cold, heat, acids, sweets or contact.—
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Lopez has been seen out in New York a lot lately, and while the weather has been cold for spring, there’s still a lot going on for her, especially in the theatre world.—
Adjective
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Despite growing exhaustion, Booker remained steadfast, sustaining himself with only water as his voice grew stronger with emotion.—
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Despite the shifting sands in the content marketplace, Mayer assured the crowd of industry insiders that Blackrock remains steadfast in its Candle investment.—
Adjective
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Spring planting is best in cooler climes that don't experience extreme heat in summer.—
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Those who want to lean into a little more sparkle, as Olivia Wilde did with diamond studs, will find their perfect match to style back to cool suiting or evening apparel for a night on the town.—
Cite this Entry
“Unbending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbending. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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