Welcome back, fellow cruciverbalists! Whether you’re nursing your first cup of coffee or winding down after a long day, there’s nothing quite like the mental gymnastics of the daily grid to keep the gears turning. Today, we’re staring down a particular
crossword clue
that has been popping up in various publications lately, from the New York Times to the Guardian.
The clue in question is a deceptively simple one:
“Unbending (5).”
At first glance, a five-letter synonym for “unbending” seems like it should be a “write-in”—one of those satisfying moments where the answer hits you instantly and you don’t even need the crossing letters to confirm it. However, as any seasoned solver knows, the beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
lies in its potential for ambiguity. Is the setter looking for a physical description of an object, or a personality trait describing someone’s stubborn resolve?
In the world of crosswords, “unbending” is a classic “chameleon” word. It can function as an adjective describing a structural property—think of a steel beam or a frozen rope—or it can describe a moral stance, a strict rule, or an uncompromising individual. When you see this
crossword clue
, your mind might immediately jump to several different synonyms that fit the five-letter count, making it essential to look at your intersecting words before you commit ink to paper.
When analyzing a
crossword clue
like this, I always recommend looking at the “flavor” of the puzzle. If you’re working on a British cryptic, “unbending” might even be part of a clever piece of wordplay, perhaps acting as an indicator for an anagram or a hidden word. In a standard American-style quick crossword, however, it’s almost certainly looking for a direct synonym.
The challenge with five-letter words is that they are the backbone of the grid. They bridge the gap between the short three-letter connectors and the long, flashy themed entries. Getting this specific
crossword clue
wrong can cause a ripple effect of errors through the center of your puzzle. Are we looking for something that implies a lack of flexibility? Or perhaps something that suggests a stern, formal demeanor?
In today’s post, we’re going to break down the most likely candidates for this 5-letter mystery. We’ll look at how the context of the surrounding clues can help you narrow down the field. Remember, in the world of the
crossword clue
, the simplest definition is often a trap, and the second or third meaning of a word is where the answer truly hides.
Before you scroll down to see the breakdown of potential solutions and the final reveal, take a moment to look at your “down” clues. Does the second letter happen to be an ‘I’? Or perhaps the fourth letter is an ‘F’? These small hints are the breadcrumbs that lead us out of the woods.
Let’s dive into the linguistic nuances of “Unbending” and see if we can’t unlock this part of the grid together!
Available Answers:
STIFF.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Thursday, 1 January 2026