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

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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

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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

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

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

Once such fallacious arguments were enthusiastically embraced, the horror of the Shoah was not far distant.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
While officials insist the demolitions are a non-negotiable step toward revitalizing the corridor along Old National Highway, the families and owners left in the wake of the bulldozers say true recovery remains a distant promise.

— La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of distant

Adjective

There’s also an indoor-outdoor dog run, as well as a detached guesthouse with its own kitchen and bath and a seven-car garage sporting a Tesla charging station.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026
Goldfish centers on a 17-year-old high school senior who presents as detached, ironic and emotionally armored, but underneath is quietly paralyzed by fear of failure, abandonment and becoming his parents.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of detached

Adjective

That level of pure confidence while talking to the person with cold, hard footage is what makes Lisa Barlow the perfect Real Housewife.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Shea’s supervisor confronted her when Shea’s findings in a cold case could not be replicated.

— Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of cold

Adjective

Meanwhile, waiting in the wings is a man of few words — and initially, few feelings, or so thinks Marianne — the steadfast Colonel Brandon (Herbert Nordrum).

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
The poem continues with more verses about Burns’s steadfast love, but beyond that, nothing really happens.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of steadfast

Adjective

On Monday, high temperatures won’t climb past the low 70s as a westerly breeze from the Delta carries cooler air inland to Sacramento.

— Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be cloudy and cool, with highs topping out in the mid-60s and lower 70s, according to the weather service.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of cool

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unbend

unbending

unbends

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Style

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

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Synonyms of unbending

adjective

verb

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