stiffness

Definition of stiffnessnext

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 stiffness Barnes said Monday that in addition to multiple sclerosis, Blair had been diagnosed with parkinsonism, a group of movement symptoms marked by tremors and stiffness. — Mark Morales, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 Doctors tend to use it more broadly for the stiffness, soreness and muscle fatigue that come from holding the head forward or downward. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026 However, that stiffness can make physical interactions harder to manage, especially when objects move unpredictably or require a softer touch. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026 The hallmark signs include shaking or tremors, stiffness, slower movements and difficulty with balance or walking. — Jennifer Fields, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026 To them, tech neck describes the stiffness, soreness and muscle fatigue that come from holding your head forward or down for long periods. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026 The unique contraption leverages air pressure changes to stretch the neck while relaxing your entire upper body with its three heat settings and stiffness-eliminating, dual-wavelength red light therapy. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026 Not just making a pair of cleats to fit Sullivan’s feet, but designing one with the optimal stiffness and even stud shape for his game. — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026 Belts and wraps hug the back, knee or shoulder and have become a go-to for joint stiffness and muscle pain. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiffness
Noun
  • Then again, the creature’s indifference suggests there may be no deeper meaning available.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The reason is not indifference; no brand team believes the pharmacy is unimportant.
    — Harshit Jain, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The book’s occasional oases of self-examination are surrounded by dusty expanses of omission and unconcern.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2025
  • Whatever the reason, Maxwell’s strength and the shark’s apparent unconcern put one of Maxwell’s friends in danger.
    — Donald Millus, Outdoor Life, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • Being silent with the chatbot did not feel like an invitation to being together, but rather like a kind of deadness.
    — Steven Barrie-Anthony, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Our director Wayne and I were just really interested in creating very visceral spaces, showing the deadness in the world.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Given the hardness of the wall surfaces and unique sloping design, mounting larger frames would be difficult, possibly even disastrous.
    — Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
  • There was real contrast to the elements of Watts’ look, which ultimately took boho-style pieces and juxtaposed them with the hardness of leather material.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • What the rise of 'chalance' says about dating People have equated aloofness with coolness since long before the internet came around.
    — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • My fear manifested as aloofness.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • The house was a metaphor for the coldness of a relationship that’s faded and atrophied.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The danger occurs if that ruthlessness veers into institutional coldness.
    — James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stiffness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiffness. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster