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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective flexible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of flexible are elastic, resilient, springy, and supple. While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," flexible applies to something which may or may not be resilient or elastic but which can be bent or folded without breaking.

flexible plastic tubing

Where would elastic be a reasonable alternative to flexible?

While in some cases nearly identical to flexible, elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

When would resilient be a good substitute for flexible?

Although the words resilient and flexible have much in common, resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

When is it sensible to use springy instead of flexible?

The words springy and flexible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, springy stresses both the ease with which something yields to pressure and the quickness of its return to original shape.

the cake is done when the top is springy

When could supple be used to replace flexible?

The words supple and flexible can be used in similar contexts, but supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.

supple leather

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of flexible Both are made from a water- and rip-resistant material that’s flexible. Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2025 The cortex, in the center, is also made of keratin, but is more flexible because it is not calcified. Marie Bladt, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2025 The rhythms of many species are more varied and flexible than previously thought, and those rhythms are shifting, in response to humans. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 26 Feb. 2025 Be flexible If your child’s birthday falls on a holiday, flexibility is key. ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flexible
Adjective
  • As for bags, the Script logo shopper was made in an even lighter, more relaxed shopping bag in an allover calfskin leather, suede or pony skin, while the Flap Bag reinterpreted a classic camera bag in smooth calfskin leather.
    Stephen Garner, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
  • When cruising at more relaxed speeds, the car soaked up the decidedly rough road surfaces extremely well for a car with such petite dimensions.
    Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • There was also a second cleaner, who swept away the plastic bottles, wrappers, empty juice containers, plates of food, and other garbage that the passengers tossed on the floor.
    Amitava Kumar, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Beyond this study, previous research has found miniscule plastic particles in every single type of human tissue tested, with other papers linking these microplastics to everything from brain inflammation to low male fertility.
    Michael Franco, New Atlas, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • A lot of jeans are made with a bit of elastane to give it stretch, but that will just not give you this kind of fit and drape.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 10 Feb. 2025
  • More inventive styles like the Nela, a second-skin knee-high boot featuring stretch leather and a harness detail that wraps around the ankle, only go up to 11.
    Mikelle Street, Them, 26 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Nearly every restaurant relied on these adaptable sources of light—especially for use in DIY dining sheds where electrical wiring was a no-no.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 27 Feb. 2025
  • White floral notes are endlessly adaptable, but perfumer Cécile Matton went the warm route by adding cashmeran, sandalwood, and Madagascan vanilla at the base.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The V-neck long-sleeve was held close by three floppy orange flower buttons.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The eldest, their 10-year-old daughter, has a very messy floppy bun on the top of her head.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • If technology makes restaurants more efficient, more profitable and more resilient, why isn’t every restaurant already digital-first?
    Savneet Singh, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Pairs trading involves speculating on both the long and short sides, aiming to be less affected by overall market movements and more resilient to volatility.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • With a pliant Congress, Trump is using his office to benefit his family’s business interests, former prosecutors and ethics lawyers say.
    Natasha Frost, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
  • For all the talk and research that has gone into exploiting graphene’s pliant properties for use in wearable and flexible electronics, most of the polymer composites it has been mixed with to date have been on the hard and inflexible side.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 14 Dec. 2016
Adjective
  • The ultrathin graphene tattoos are soft and pliable, conforming to the skin’s grooves and ridges.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Heat makes muscles more pliable, which reduces the risk of muscle injuries.
    Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flexible. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on flexible

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