STIFF Synonyms: 607 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'stiff' distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words inflexible and rigid are common synonyms of stiff . While all three words mean "difficult to bend," stiff may apply to any degree of this condition. // stretching keeps your muscles from becoming stiff

Q: In what contexts can 'inflexible' take the place of 'stiff'?

The meanings of inflexible and stiff largely overlap; however, inflexible stresses lack of suppleness or pliability. // ski boots with inflexible soles

Q: When would 'rigid' be a good substitute for 'stiff'?

In some situations, the words rigid and stiff are roughly equivalent. However, rigid applies to something so stiff that it cannot be bent without breaking. // a rigid surfboard

stiff 1 of 3

adjective

ˈstif

Definition of stiff next

as in rigid

incapable of or highly resistant to bending use a stiff piece of paper for the project

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as in tough

difficult to endure stiff winds

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as in excessive

going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount don't you think that's a pretty stiff fine for such a minor infraction?

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as in hard

having a consistency that does not easily yield to pressure stir two cups of flour with the remaining ingredients to make a stiff dough

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as in uncomfortable

lacking social grace and assurance felt stiff and ill-at-ease whenever she was introduced to her parents' friends

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as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort we'll have a stiff climb to actually reach the summit

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as in formal

marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details the stiff politeness with which I was greeted suggested that they weren't truly happy to see me

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as in drunk

being under the influence of alcohol seeing that the customer was more than a little stiff, the bartender offered to call a cab for him

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stiff

2 of 3

noun

as in corpse

a dead body to the mortician, a stiff was a stiff and they were all pretty much alike

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as in person

a member of the human race one lucky stiff will get the biggest jackpot in the lottery's history

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stiff

3 of 3

verb

as in to cut

to deliberately ignore or treat rudely the actress has a reputation for stiffing the press at red-carpet events

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as in to squeeze

to rob by the use of trickery or threats customers who were too embarrassed to admit that they had been stiffed by an Internet company claiming to sell designer handbags

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word stiff distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words inflexible and rigid are common synonyms of stiff. While all three words mean "difficult to bend," stiff may apply to any degree of this condition.

stretching keeps your muscles from becoming stiff

In what contexts can inflexible take the place of stiff?

The meanings of inflexible and stiff largely overlap; however, inflexible stresses lack of suppleness or pliability.

ski boots with inflexible soles

When would rigid be a good substitute for stiff?

In some situations, the words rigid and stiff are roughly equivalent. However, rigid applies to something so stiff that it cannot be bent without breaking.

a rigid surfboard

Examples 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 stiff

Adjective

The latter surged after Trump's November 5 electoral victory on concerns that his policies, including stiff tariffs on U.S. imports, big tax cuts for individuals and businesses, and a crackdown on undocumented immigrants could drive up inflation. —

Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 27 Nov. 2024 Its name was inspired by the species’ short, stiff and pointed tail. —

Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Nov. 2024

Noun

Being a working stiff can be anathema to those with the founder gene, who find the uncertainty of entrepreneurship equal parts freeing and exhilarating. —

Paolo Confino, Fortune, 12 May 2024 The Thing is one of those rare sci-fi horrors that stands the test of time due to its suspenseful pacing and its groundbreaking practical effects by Rob Bottin, leaving you both frozen and scared stiff. —

Huntley Woods, EW.com, 20 Oct. 2023

Verb

While sage grown as an annual usually won't turn woody, sages are semi-woody shrubs and will start to thicken and get woody and stiff over the years. —

Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2024 Owning versus renting Owning a unit can cost less each month than renting, but stiff down payments make ownership impossible for most, says Nishant Sondhi, a real estate agent and fund manager who raises money for developments in Manhattan and Brooklyn. —

Hillary Chura, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stiff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiff

Adjective

Eventually, Collette’s rigid, defensive stare gives way to belief while Hoult’s cherubic face hides a weak, secretive nature.

Armond White, National Review, 22 Nov. 2024
While the Biden administration has made some progress on cybersecurity—establishing a national cybersecurity strategy that includes some reasonable provisions—its overall approach to AI safety through top-down bureaucratic rules remains too rigid.

James Broughel, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

Definition of rigid

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Style

“Stiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiff. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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Last Updated: 3 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of stiff

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noun

verb

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