stiff
1 of 4adjective
ˈstif 
1
a
: not easily bent : rigid
a stiff collar
b
: lacking in suppleness or flexibility
stiff muscles
c
: impeded in movement —used of a mechanism
a truck's stiff suspension
d
: drunk sense 1a
2
a
: firm, resolute
b
: stubborn, unyielding
c
: proud
d(1)
: marked by reserve or decorum
(2)
: lacking in ease or grace : stilted
3
: hard fought
stiff competition
4
a(1)
: exerting great force
a stiff wind
(2)
: forceful, vigorous
b
: potent
poured her a stiff drink
5
: of a dense or glutinous consistency : thick
6
a
: harsh, severe
a stiff penalty
b
: arduous, rugged
stiff terrain
7
: not easily heeled over by an external force (such as the wind)
a stiff ship
8
: expensive, steep
paid a stiff price
stiffish
ˈsti-fish
adjective stiffly adverb
stiffness noun
stiff
2 of 4adverb
1
: in a stiff manner : stiffly
2
: to an extreme degree : severely
scared stiff
bored stiff
3
: close enough to the hole for an easy putt in golf
hit it stiff and tapped it in for an easy birdie
stiff
3 of 4noun
1
: corpse
2
a
: vagrant, tramp
b
: a member of the working class
especially : a blue-collar worker
c
: person
a lucky stiff
especially : a stodgy or excessively decorous person
3
: flop, failure
stiff
4 of 4verb
stiffed; stiffing; stiffs
transitive verb
1
a
: to refuse to pay or tip
stiffed the waiter
b
: cheat
stiffed him in a business deal
c
: stick sense 7a
stiffed us with the bar bill
2
: snub sense 3
stiffed sportswriters after the game
intransitive verb
: to fail commercially
the movie stiffed at the box office
Synonyms
Adjective
- inflexible
- rigid
- stiffened
- unyielding
Noun
- bones
- cadaver
- carcass
- corpse
- corpus
- corse [archaic]
- relics
- remains
Verb
- cold-shoulder
- cut
- high-hat
- slight
- snub
- stiff-arm
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective When I got out of bed this morning my back was stiff as a board. Beat the egg whites until they are stiff. Noun That poor stiff never gets a break. They have the kind of luxuries the average working stiff can't afford. Verb the actress has a reputation for stiffing the press at red-carpet events
Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Sep. 2022 The room is House & Garden–elegant; Alan reclines in a mid-century chair and gazes at Sam, who sits, stiff and uncomfortable, on the edge of the leather couch. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2022 If the hip joint becomes stiff—from arthritis, for example, or a recent injury that caused inflammation—then the sliding and gliding movement can become restricted and create resistance that your glutes has to work against. Jenny Mccoy, SELF, 10 Sep. 2022 But Truss’ public performance to date has been somewhat stiff and formal, short on the kind of stirring oratory at which both Blair and Johnson excelled. Christina Boyle, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2022 British nationals in South Florida released their stiff upper lips on Thursday upon learning their beloved Queen Elizabeth died at age 96 after 70 years on the throne. Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2022 Add the powdered sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Alexis Deboschnek, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2022 Hainsworth is quite good as Miss Holmes — suitably cerebral and stiff, with understated physical tics that suggest a constantly active mind. Emily Mcclanathan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2022 President Biden promoted recent legislative wins in a bid to boost support for Democrats and overcome stiff economic headwinds as Labor Day kicked off the final sprint of midterm-election campaigning. Catherine Lucey, WSJ, 5 Sep. 2022 Outside Online, 23 June 2021 But so far Brill has gotten stiff-armed by social media platforms. Jeffrey M. O'brien, Fortune, 2 June 2022 But the Auburn running back stiff-armed the Bucs and signed with Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals. Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 22 Apr. 2022 Dogs go through stages in their life, just as people do, as is obvious to anyone who has watched their stiff-legged companion rouse themselves to go for one more walk. James Gorman, Star Tribune, 14 Nov. 2020 Montgomery found a wide crease between right guard James Daniels and right tackle Germain Ifedi, cut back and burst through the hole, stiff-arming former Chicago Bears first-round pick Leonard Floyd and racing into the secondary. Brad Biggs, chicagotribune.com, 18 Sep. 2021 Thomas drew a loud response from the crowd after breaking loose for a 28-yard carry and stiff-arming an opponent late in the third quarter. J.c. Carnahan, orlandosentinel.com, 20 Aug. 2021 That’s piling up postseason wins, stiff-arming adversity and grinding through against the best mound minders in baseball. San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2021 Fifty years ago, Germans goose-stepped in exacting regimentation, stiff-armed salutes sanctifying der Fuhrer. Bob Larsen, SPIN, 12 Feb. 2022 Doug Lesmerises, cleveland, 11 Sep. 2022 At one bruising point during the drive, Allen finished an eight-yard run with a brutal stiff-arm of Nick Scott. Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2022 Mixon attempted a cut and a stiff-arm on the star safety. Charlie Goldsmith, The Enquirer, 8 Sep. 2022 Wuerffel had already picked up the stiff-arm trophy by that time, securing 300 first-place votes and 1,363 points to beat out Iowa State running back Troy Davis (209, 1,174). Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, 12 Aug. 2022 What seems most unlikely, however, is that top players will band together to stiff-arm the Saudis on principle. Beth Ann Nichols, USA TODAY, 1 Aug. 2022 Football fans probably didn’t need a rating system to recognize Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill as the fastest player in the NFL or Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry as the possessor of the league’s toughest stiff-arm. Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 22 July 2022 If the Emmy Drama Roundtable proves anything, it’s that even the stars of TV’s buzziest shows are familiar with the indignities of the working stiff. Jay L. Clendenin, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2022 Dodgers star Mookie Betts got the day off Wednesday because of a stiff lower back but is expected to play Friday vs. Washington. Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, 8 Apr. 2021 WSJ, 28 Aug. 2022 That may progress to stiff neck, seizures, hallucinations and coma. Wyatte Grantham-philips, USA TODAY, 18 Aug. 2022 That was necessary when shoes had leather or vinyl elements that might stretch and stiff sole materials that needed to mold to your foot. Brian Metzler, Outside Online, 8 July 2022 The history of mergers and acquisitions is filled with ruthless corporate raiders, bruising wars of words and people trying to stiff each other. New York Times, 20 May 2022 Egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks and then fine almond flour, powdered sugar, and flavorings are folded into the meringue carefully to avoid deflation and dry pockets. Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 15 Apr. 2022 In another medium bowl, beat heavy cream to stiff peaks, then fold into mascarpone mixture. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 13 Feb. 2022 Fortunately, fashion now offers many unstuffy alternatives to stiff Oxfords. Jamie Waters, WSJ, 8 Feb. 2022 Boston’s Kevin McHale stiff armed him in the neck area, leaving Rambis flat on his back. New York Times, 24 Dec. 2021 See More
Adjective
In adapting the Makos novel, screenwriters Jake Crane and Jonathan A. H. Stewart seem to be content to trot out the usual war picture platitudes with stiff dialogue that has all the personality of an instruction manual. Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Sep. 2022 The room is House & Garden–elegant; Alan reclines in a mid-century chair and gazes at Sam, who sits, stiff and uncomfortable, on the edge of the leather couch. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2022 If the hip joint becomes stiff—from arthritis, for example, or a recent injury that caused inflammation—then the sliding and gliding movement can become restricted and create resistance that your glutes has to work against. Jenny Mccoy, SELF, 10 Sep. 2022 But Truss’ public performance to date has been somewhat stiff and formal, short on the kind of stirring oratory at which both Blair and Johnson excelled. Christina Boyle, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2022 British nationals in South Florida released their stiff upper lips on Thursday upon learning their beloved Queen Elizabeth died at age 96 after 70 years on the throne. Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2022 Add the powdered sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Alexis Deboschnek, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2022 Hainsworth is quite good as Miss Holmes — suitably cerebral and stiff, with understated physical tics that suggest a constantly active mind. Emily Mcclanathan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2022 President Biden promoted recent legislative wins in a bid to boost support for Democrats and overcome stiff economic headwinds as Labor Day kicked off the final sprint of midterm-election campaigning. Catherine Lucey, WSJ, 5 Sep. 2022 Adverb
And the effort required to lope stiff-legged across the powdery surface guzzled the air and cooling water in his backpack, limiting his time outside the relative safety of the lunar module. Outside Online, 23 June 2021 But so far Brill has gotten stiff-armed by social media platforms. Jeffrey M. O'brien, Fortune, 2 June 2022 But the Auburn running back stiff-armed the Bucs and signed with Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals. Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 22 Apr. 2022 Dogs go through stages in their life, just as people do, as is obvious to anyone who has watched their stiff-legged companion rouse themselves to go for one more walk. James Gorman, Star Tribune, 14 Nov. 2020 Montgomery found a wide crease between right guard James Daniels and right tackle Germain Ifedi, cut back and burst through the hole, stiff-arming former Chicago Bears first-round pick Leonard Floyd and racing into the secondary. Brad Biggs, chicagotribune.com, 18 Sep. 2021 Thomas drew a loud response from the crowd after breaking loose for a 28-yard carry and stiff-arming an opponent late in the third quarter. J.c. Carnahan, orlandosentinel.com, 20 Aug. 2021 That’s piling up postseason wins, stiff-arming adversity and grinding through against the best mound minders in baseball. San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2021 Fifty years ago, Germans goose-stepped in exacting regimentation, stiff-armed salutes sanctifying der Fuhrer. Bob Larsen, SPIN, 12 Feb. 2022 Noun
When Chubb sees a cutback lane or drops a stiff-arm, when Hunt breaks through the defensive line and hits the second level, a Browns bar can’t help itself. Doug Lesmerises, cleveland, 11 Sep. 2022 At one bruising point during the drive, Allen finished an eight-yard run with a brutal stiff-arm of Nick Scott. Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2022 Mixon attempted a cut and a stiff-arm on the star safety. Charlie Goldsmith, The Enquirer, 8 Sep. 2022 Wuerffel had already picked up the stiff-arm trophy by that time, securing 300 first-place votes and 1,363 points to beat out Iowa State running back Troy Davis (209, 1,174). Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, 12 Aug. 2022 What seems most unlikely, however, is that top players will band together to stiff-arm the Saudis on principle. Beth Ann Nichols, USA TODAY, 1 Aug. 2022 Football fans probably didn’t need a rating system to recognize Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill as the fastest player in the NFL or Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry as the possessor of the league’s toughest stiff-arm. Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 22 July 2022 If the Emmy Drama Roundtable proves anything, it’s that even the stars of TV’s buzziest shows are familiar with the indignities of the working stiff. Jay L. Clendenin, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2022 Dodgers star Mookie Betts got the day off Wednesday because of a stiff lower back but is expected to play Friday vs. Washington. Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, 8 Apr. 2021 Verb
The student looking to go into nursing is less likely to stiff the taxpayer than the one looking to be a sociologist. WSJ, 28 Aug. 2022 That may progress to stiff neck, seizures, hallucinations and coma. Wyatte Grantham-philips, USA TODAY, 18 Aug. 2022 That was necessary when shoes had leather or vinyl elements that might stretch and stiff sole materials that needed to mold to your foot. Brian Metzler, Outside Online, 8 July 2022 The history of mergers and acquisitions is filled with ruthless corporate raiders, bruising wars of words and people trying to stiff each other. New York Times, 20 May 2022 Egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks and then fine almond flour, powdered sugar, and flavorings are folded into the meringue carefully to avoid deflation and dry pockets. Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 15 Apr. 2022 In another medium bowl, beat heavy cream to stiff peaks, then fold into mascarpone mixture. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 13 Feb. 2022 Fortunately, fashion now offers many unstuffy alternatives to stiff Oxfords. Jamie Waters, WSJ, 8 Feb. 2022 Boston’s Kevin McHale stiff armed him in the neck area, leaving Rambis flat on his back. New York Times, 24 Dec. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English stif, from Old English stīf; akin to Middle Dutch stijf stiff, Latin stipare to press together, Greek steibein to tread on
First Known Use
Adjective
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Adverb
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
circa 1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
1950, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a
Phrases Containing stiff
Kids Definition
stiff
adjective
ˈstif
stiffer; stiffest
1
: not easily bent
And because Sarah's clothes were stiff and heavy, the Indian woman made her clothes of deerskin … Alice Dalgliesh, The Courage of Sarah Noble
Alice Dalgliesh, The Courage of Sarah Noble2
: not easily moved
stiff muscles
3
: firm and not changeable
stiff determination
4
: not friendly, relaxed, or graceful in manner
… how tense Phoebe's whole family seemed, how tidy, how respectable, how … stiff. Sharon Creech, Walk Two Moons
Sharon Creech, Walk Two Moons5
: powerful, strong
a stiff wind
6
: not flowing easily : thick
Beat the egg whites until stiff.
7
: severe sense 3
a stiff penalty
8
: hard to do or deal with : difficult
a stiff test
Medical Definition
stiff
adjective
ˈstif
: lacking in suppleness
stiff muscles
stiff 1 of 3
adjective
1
as in rigid
incapable of or highly resistant to bending use a stiff piece of paper for the project Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- rigid
- stiffened
- solid
- brittle
- inflexible
- unyielding
- strong
- dense
- crisp
- hard
- compact
- sound
- firm
- substantial
- inelastic
- arthritic
- rheumatic
- nonmalleable
- nonelastic
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- flexible
- floppy
- pliable
- pliant
- supple
- elastic
- resilient
- springy
- workable
- stretchy
- plastic
- soft
- yielding
- malleable
- flaccid
- limp
- flabby
- droopy
- mushy
- squishy
- semiflexible
- limber
- squashy
- willowy
- lithe
- lank
- lithesome
- lissom
- lissome
- semisoft
2
as in tough
difficult to endure stiff winds Synonyms & Similar Words
- tough
- harsh
- oppressive
- hard
- brutal
- severe
- rough
- searing
- heavy
- trying
- grim
- cruel
- painful
- burdensome
- rugged
- onerous
- bitter
- inhuman
- uncomfortable
- excruciating
- bleak
- murderous
- grievous
- strict
- unbearable
- spartan
- hardhanded
- unpleasant
- inhospitable
- austere
- rigorous
- stringent
- bad
- forbidding
- crushing
- discomforting
- biting
- overwhelming
- comfortless
- insufferable
- grinding
- wearing
- hostile
- intemperate
- inclement
- intolerable
- unfriendly
- agonizing
- tortuous
- disagreeable
- wretched
- wild
- unendurable
- insupportable
- heartbreaking
- harrowing
- heartrending
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- soft
- easy
- light
- comfortable
- luxurious
- friendly
- pleasant
- cozy
- agreeable
- genial
- hospitable
- mild
- moderate
- gentle
- peaceful
- snug
- tolerable
- relaxing
- restful
- bearable
- calm
- painless
- temperate
- balmy
- endurable
- reposeful
- clement
3
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? Synonyms & Similar Words
- excessive
- steep
- extreme
- insane
- extravagant
- lavish
- infinite
- endless
- exorbitant
- baroque
- undue
- fancy
- intolerable
- unbearable
- unmerciful
- inordinate
- plethoric
- immoderate
- towering
- unconscionable
- overdue
- devilish
- overmuch
- overextravagant
- over the top
- inappropriate
- overweening
- a bit much
- improper
- thick
- unjustifiable
- limitless
- boundless
- unwarranted
- immeasurable
- unseemly
- unrestrained
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- moderate
- reasonable
- inadequate
- modest
- insufficient
- minimal
- middling
- deficient
- temperate
- minimum
4
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- rigid
- hard
- thick
- heavy
- solid
- compressed
- unyielding
- compact
- stiffened
- dense
- firm
- compressed
- sturdy
- hardened
- compacted
- inflexible
- unbending
- tempered
- thickset
- indurated
- ramrod
- inelastic
- condensed
- rocklike
- case-hardened
- substantial
- close
- adamantine
- impermeable
- impenetrable
- nonporous
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- soft
- thin
- spongy
- loose
- flabby
- flexible
- elastic
- pliable
- limp
- pliant
- supple
- floppy
- malleable
- flaccid
- scattered
- squishy
- slack
- droopy
- light
- squashy
- bendable
- porous
- lank
- airy
- permeable
- ultrasoft
5
as in uncomfortable
lacking social grace and assurance felt stiff and ill-at-ease whenever she was introduced to her parents' friends Synonyms & Similar Words
- uncomfortable
- uneasy
- awkward
- clumsy
- wooden
- stilted
- timid
- embarrassed
- inelegant
- ungraceful
- gauche
- rustic
- meek
- nervous
- graceless
- upset
- ungainly
- flustered
- agitated
- unsettled
- angular
- rough-hewn
- disturbed
- gawky
- boorish
- clownish
- rustical
- discomposed
- lubberly
- perturbed
- discomforted
- uncouth
- diffident
- discomfited
- distressed
- disconcerted
- jumpy
- jittery
- modest
- rattled
- unassertive
- abashed
- unhinged
- nonplussed
- bothered
- disquieted
- mortified
- discountenanced
- fazed
- insecure
- self-conscious
- chagrined
- unassuming
- nonplused
- dismayed
- unpretentious
- self-doubting
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- graceful
- suave
- urbane
- composed
- confident
- cool
- unperturbed
- placid
- calm
- poised
- secure
- collected
- serene
- undisturbed
- tranquil
- assured
- self-possessed
- self-assured
- self-confident
6
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort we'll have a stiff climb to actually reach the summit Synonyms & Similar Words
- difficult
- challenging
- tough
- rigorous
- hard
- heavy
- demanding
- formidable
- complicated
- tall
- rough
- rugged
- sweaty
- severe
- strenuous
- effortful
- testing
- killer
- painful
- uphill
- arduous
- backbreaking
- murderous
- grueling
- intricate
- laborious
- exhausting
- exacting
- complex
- herculean
- serious
- toilsome
- tight
- gruelling
- hellacious
- annoying
- stubborn
- involved
- bruising
- problematic
- hairy
- oppressive
- brutal
- grim
- elusive
- pick-and-shovel
- spiny
- insoluble
- moiling
- abstract
- thorny
- opaque
- knotty
- tricky
- burdensome
- taxing
- strict
- labored
- troublesome
- onerous
- trying
- abstruse
- ticklish
- stressful
- problematical
- irksome
- stringent
- bothersome
- recondite
- vexatious
- Augean
- cruel
- distressing
- inhuman
- grievous
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- soft
- easy
- light
- cheap
- simple
- effortless
- clear
- smooth
- undemanding
- facile
- mindless
- uncomplicated
- elementary
- gentle
- doable
- achievable
- relaxed
- soothing
- painless
- manageable
- friendly
- comforting
- accessible
- user-friendly
- idiotproof
7
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- formal
- nice
- decorous
- stilted
- starchy
- ceremonious
- solemn
- proper
- correct
- punctilious
- civil
- polished
- polite
- stiff-necked
- refined
- gallant
- chivalrous
- sober
- stately
- courteous
- courtly
- genteel
- red-carpet
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- easygoing
- informal
- casual
- improper
- indecorous
- unceremonious
- discourteous
- laid-back
- rude
- impolite
- unmannerly
8
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- drunk
- wet
- drunken
- fried
- impaired
- tight
- plastered
- wasted
- blind
- bombed
- gassed
- high
- loaded
- crocked
- under the influence
- hammered
- ripped
- lit
- tipsy
- stewed
- boozy
- looped
- inebriated
- stinking
- smashed
- stoned
- intoxicated
- oiled
- soused
- juiced
- cockeyed
- blasted
- pickled
- squiffy
- inebriate
- sloshed
- besotted
- alcoholic
- wiped out
- blotto
- tiddly
- potted
- tanked
- blitzed
- canned
- squiffed
- under the weather
- sozzled
- lit up
- three sheets to the wind
- pie-eyed
- sottish
- three sheets in the wind
- in the bag
- dopey
- rocky
- in one's cups
- maudlin
- strung out
- befuddled
- stupefied
- dissolute
- beery
- dissipated
- crapulous
- debauched
- dopy
- bibulous
- bleary-eyed
- dipsomaniacal
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- dry
- straight
- sober
- steady
- temperate
- cool
- level
- abstemious
- teetotal
- abstinent
- clearheaded
stiff
2 of 3noun
1
as in corpse
a dead body to the mortician, a stiff was a stiff and they were all pretty much alike Synonyms & Similar Words
- corpse
- remains
- carcass
- cadaver
- relics
- corse
- bones
- corpus
- ashes
- mummy
- deceased
- decedent
- carnage
- carrion
2
as in guy
a member of the human race one lucky stiff will get the biggest jackpot in the lottery's history Synonyms & Similar Words
- guy
- person
- man
- life
- being
- body
- creature
- human
- duck
- face
- individual
- egg
- sort
- mortal
- bird
- thing
- soul
- cooky
- baby
- fish
- specimen
- bod
- human being
- party
- customer
- head
- personage
- character
- fellow
- devil
- cookie
- wight
- personality
- scout
- slob
- son of man
- homo
- brother
- humanoid
- self
- somebody
- neighbor
- hominid
- celebrity
- fellowman
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- brute
- animal
- beast
- critter
- beastie
stiff
3 of 3verb
1
as in to slight
to deliberately ignore or treat rudely the actress has a reputation for stiffing the press at red-carpet events Synonyms & Similar Words
- slight
- cut
- snub
- stiff-arm
- isolate
- cold-shoulder
- reject
- high-hat
- repulse
- repel
- disdain
- rebuff
- neglect
- forget
- pass over
- spurn
- scorn
- overlook
- ostracize
- shrug off
- disregard
- overpass
- brush (aside or off)
2
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- squeeze
- sting
- stick
- cheat
- hustle
- pluck
- beat
- screw
- short
- sucker
- do
- skin
- fleece
- bleed
- shake down
- rip off
- ream
- con
- fiddle
- chisel
- trick
- hose
- mulct
- rook
- deceive
- swindle
- gaff
- bilk
- skunk
- take to the cleaners
- victimize
- euchre
- shortchange
- nobble
- thimblerig
- take for a ride
- diddle
- defraud
- cozen
- wrench
- chouse
- exploit
- betray
- fool
- flimflam
- sell a bill of goods to
- milk
- clip
- gouge
- extort
- do in
- nick
- soak
- bitch
- overcharge
- wring
- gull
- wrest
- dupe
- rope (in)
- fast-talk
- bamboozle
- double-cross
Synonym Chooser
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
The meanings of inflexible and stiff largely overlap; however, inflexible stresses lack of suppleness or pliability.
ski boots with inflexible soles
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