Synonyms for

Stiff

Verb / stɪf / Another word for stiff — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Stiff means not easily bent or flexible, or lacking in ease of movement or fluidity.

Synonyms & similar words

impotent soaked tight wet cadaver corpse strong slopped plastered smashed sozzled squiffy blinddrunk unshakable cockeyed pixilated besotted clay pieeyed blotto steady unbendable soused stiffly firm rigid hard unyielding inflexible awkward unbending immobile ungraceful unwieldy starchy formal unfriendly cool cold reserved aloof detached standoffish formal unfeeling

Synonyms by register

Formal

rigid inflexible unyielding firm

Informal

tough difficult hard unpleasant

Literary

resolute stern austere

Antonyms

flexible supple pliable loose relaxed limp gentle

Common collocations

  • stiff neck
  • stiff breeze
  • stiff competition
  • stiff drink
  • stiff upper lip
  • stiff penalty
  • stiff resistance

Word family

noun stiffness
adjective stiff
adverb stiffly

Usage note

When referring to a person's demeanor, 'stiff' often implies formality or reserve, which can sometimes be perceived negatively. It can also describe something physically rigid or unbending.

Example sentences

  1. The cardboard was too stiff to fold.
  2. He had a stiff neck after sleeping in a strange position.
  3. The new shoes were stiff and uncomfortable.
  4. She walked with a stiff gait due to her arthritis.
  5. He was so stiff with nerves that he couldn't speak.

Quotes

  • The stiff and unyielding shall be broken; the soft and yielding will prevail. - Lao Tzu
  • The higher the building, the lower the morals. - Noel Coward
  • I'm a stiff, I'm a dead man, I'm a ghost. - Tupac Shakur

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