Antonyms for unbend

Grammar : Verb

Spell : uhn-bend

Phonetic Transcription : ʌnˈbɛnd

Definition of unbend

Origin : "to relax a bow by unstringing it," mid-13c., from un- (2) + bend (v.). Figurative meaning "to become genial, relax" (1748) has a sense opposite to that of unbending "inflexible, obstinate" (1680s), which does not derive from the bowstringing image.

As in relax : verb be or feel at ease
As in rest : verb be calm; sleep
As in stoop : verb condescend; lower oneself to another
As in straighten : verb put in neat or aligned order
As in thaw : verb unfreeze, warm
As in unfold : verb spread out
As in unwind : verb undo, untangle
As in condescend : verb stoop, humble oneself

Example sentences :

They felt they must unbend after the severe mental tension of the morning.
Extract from : « The Kentucky Ranger » by Edward T. Curnick

And be it remembered that our dear Doctor could unbend—that is, in fitting time and place.
Extract from : « The Dew of Their Youth » by S. R. Crockett

We had first to unreeve all the ropes, and unbend all the sails.
Extract from : « Peter Trawl » by W. H. G. Kingston

They had never before seen him unbend to anybody as he did to George.
Extract from : « George at the Fort » by Harry Castlemon

Dolly did not join in her mother's laugh nor unbend in the least.
Extract from : « The Marriage of Elinor » by Margaret Oliphant

She could relax and unbend again; she was safe from his cyclones.
Extract from : « The Fashionable Adventures of Joshua Craig » by David Graham Phillips

Margaret tried to laugh a little, with a lingering hope that he might unbend.
Extract from : « Fair Margaret » by Francis Marion Crawford

It was not to be expected that such a man as he should unbend as the reverend chairman did.
Extract from : « Salem Chapel, v.1/2 » by Mrs. Oliphant

How can I unbend him so he will be limber as he was this afternoon.
Extract from : « The Camp Fire Girls on a Yacht » by Margaret Love Sanderson

His duty was over, the great ship was in the harbor, and he could afford to unbend a little.
Extract from : « My Life » by Josiah Flynt

Synonyms for unbend

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019