bending
7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for bending, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The action of curving or forcing something out of a straight line.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
The action of curving or forcing something out of a straight line.
“Repeated bending weakened the metal bracket.”
2. adjective
Able to bend or flex without breaking.
“The gymnast’s bending flexibility amazed the judges.”
Opposites
How to use bending
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
mind-bending
metal bending
Frequently asked questions
What does “bending” mean?
The word “bending” means the action of curving or forcing something out of a straight line. In plain terms, the act of curving something, or (as an adjective) capable of flexing.
How do you pronounce “bending”?
“Bending” is pronounced BEHN-dihng (/ˈbɛndɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “bending” in a sentence?
Here is “bending” used in a sentence: “Repeated bending weakened the metal bracket.”
What part of speech is “bending”?
Depending on how it is used, “bending” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “bending” a common word?
“Bending” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “bending” have?
“Bending” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the action of curving or forcing something out of a straight line.
What is the difference between "bending" as a noun and as an adjective?
As a noun, "bending" refers to the action of curving or forcing something out of a straight line, such as "the bending of the metal rod." As an adjective, "bending" describes something able to bend or flex without breaking, such as a "bending branch," describing a quality rather than an action.
What is the difference between "bending" and "breaking"?
"Bending" involves curving or flexing something out of its straight shape while it remains intact, whereas "breaking" means the material separates or fails entirely. Something described as "bending" is typically flexible enough to withstand force without snapping.
