1
as in unsubstantial
being of a material lacking in sturdiness or substance
a flimsy scarf that was more for decoration than for warmth
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unlikely
not likely to be true or to occur
"The check is in the mail" is a pretty flimsy and tired excuse
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flimsy
Although its leaves are thin, flimsy, and far from succulent, their dense growth habit does not allow water to escape through them from the soil surface.
—
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 July 2025
Some students who did go to school had to wait in the cold for 30 minutes or more for delayed buses, or walk in flimsy tennis shoes across high patches of snow and ice to get to and from school.
—Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
In some areas, residents in communities neighboring toxic steel plants rely on flimsy barriers like tarps to shield themselves from harmful toxins.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
For every high-quality pair, there’s a dozen more with flimsy fasteners, scratchy fabric, and a poor fit.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for flimsy
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 July 2025
Some students who did go to school had to wait in the cold for 30 minutes or more for delayed buses, or walk in flimsy tennis shoes across high patches of snow and ice to get to and from school.
—Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
In some areas, residents in communities neighboring toxic steel plants rely on flimsy barriers like tarps to shield themselves from harmful toxins.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
For every high-quality pair, there’s a dozen more with flimsy fasteners, scratchy fabric, and a poor fit.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for flimsy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flimsy
Adjective
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The hit isn’t unsubstantial: In 2024, textile exports to the United States accounted for 10.7 percent of China’s total textile exports, valued at $14.8 billion, and 22.7 percent of China’s total apparel exports, or $36.1 billion’s worth.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
5 May 2025
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The algorithm fed the Giants pitcher a savory yet unsubstantial diet of short-form content.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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So many kids under age 13 already have phones, and this study is unlikely to result in parents taking their devices away, no matter how upsetting the findings may be.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
30 July 2025
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Even Loeb admits that 3I/ATLAS being alien technology is unlikely.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Vague green claims won’t cut it anymore, as evidenced by a 2020 study from the European Commission, which found over half of environmental claims were insubstantial, misleading or unfounded.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
2 July 2025
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After speaking to my physician colleagues and hearing their earnest frustrations, there’s no doubt in my mind that the system needs reform and the association’s proposals—which are not insubstantial and would address many of the problems —are a great place to start.—
Sachin H. Jain,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Set in post-war America, The Great Mann is a compelling narrative of the fragile nature of progress in a country still shaped by segregation.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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Simonds recommends hanging garments in a cool, dry place in the off-season and avoiding folding heirloom or fragile pieces.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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No matter how far-fetched the premise or gossamer-thin the story, the musical invites (compels) us to go along with its essential surrealism, to travel to that dream space where everyday life suddenly moves and sounds deliriously out of this world.—
Manohla Dargis,
New York Times,
7 May 2020
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For her label Anissa Aida, designer Anissa Meddeb, who lives in the capital, makes gossamer silk blouses evoking the striped motif of handwoven fouta towels and voluminous coats inspired by the burnoose cloaks worn by Berbers.—
Sarah Khan,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Feb. 2020
Adjective
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Kerry Washington Kerry Washington looked chic in a baby pink ensemble that played to our love of textures, pairing a high-neck, lace top with a gauzy skirt embellished with pink pearls over a shiny skirt.—
Erin Jensen,
USA TODAY,
23 Feb. 2025
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There’s a nostalgic maximalism to its designs, which are usually gauzy pastel pinks, blues, and whites; covered in ditsy prints like rosebuds, daisies, and strawberries; and detailed with flourishes like ruffles and bows.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Some deliver a sheer, just-back-from-vacation glow; others lean richer, with light-reflecting pigments and true bronze color payoff.—
Claire Sullivan,
Footwear News,
1 Aug. 2025
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But a continuous thread was a Daphne Blake-esque purple; in pea coats, sheer dresses, billowing blouses, and a monochromatic heels and stockings combo.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Tasters enjoyed Canada Dry’s balance of flavors, noting that its delicate citrus played well with a sharp bitter note on the back of their tongues.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 July 2025
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For instance, delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or linen will likely have different washing requirements than white cotton garments.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flimsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flimsy. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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