supple

adjective

ˈsə-pəl How to pronounce supple (audio)
Definition of supplenext
1
as in flexible
able to bend easily without breaking a dome tent outfitted with supple fiberglass tent poles

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stretch
able to revert to original size and shape after being stretched, squeezed, or twisted shoes made from supple leather

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective supple contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of supple are elastic, flexible, resilient, and springy. While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.

supple leather

When is elastic a more appropriate choice than supple?

The words elastic and supple are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

When is it sensible to use flexible instead of supple?

While the synonyms flexible and supple are close in meaning, 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 resilient be a reasonable alternative to supple?

While in some cases nearly identical to supple, resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

When can springy be used instead of supple?

The meanings of springy and supple largely overlap; however, 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

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 supple The ultra-luscious lotion employs a shea butter, olive oil and sunflower oil base that keeps skin supple. —Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026 Either way, you’ll be left with glowy, supple results. —Essence Wiley, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026 Grapeseed oil balances things out with omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants that help protect skin from everyday environmental stressors, while meadowfoam seed oil helps lock everything in, leaving skin smoother, more supple, and radiant. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 5 Feb. 2026 The song, a showcase for Thomas’s warm vocal tone and supple vocal runs, picked up traction online and was supercharged by the release of a remix featuring Chris Brown. —Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for supple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supple
  1. flexible
  2. stretch
  3. pliant
  4. plastic
  5. limber
  6. resilient
  7. pliable
  8. elastic
Adjective
  • Experts believe the crown’s flexible mount was strained when thieves wrenched it from its display through a narrow slot cut by the angle grinder, according to a report by the Louvre.
    — Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The passenger version supports flexible layouts.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of flexible
Adjective
  • There was his stretch routine outside of the visitors locker room with an hour to go before game time.
    — Law Murray, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
  • This Dad Jean cut is especially good, bridging the gap between relaxed and tapered with a straight-leg silhouette and non-stretch denim.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026
Definition of stretch
Adjective
  • Expect someone more pliant to become the next Fed chair.
    — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • In recent months, Zelensky has seen the need to maintain the process of peace – to usher the current set of draft documents along, showing Ukraine is pliant, willing, and keen to find results for Witkoff.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
Definition of pliant
Adjective
  • Many of my favorite meals have been eaten at rickety tables, with tissue-thin paper napkins, flimsy plastic forks, and not so much as a whisper of air-conditioning.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Even plastic bags get woven into sleeping mats for residents who may be sleeping outside or don’t have a bed.
    — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of plastic
Adjective
  • Two ultra-limber actors — Hassiem Muhammad and Ryan Sellers — in garish body makeup (and dance shoes) merge limbs and psyches for an electric demonstration of poetry in motion.
    — Peter Marks, Washington Post, 26 Jan. 2023
  • For thousands of years, people have turned to yoga to feel more limber, release stress and rejuvenate their overall physical and mental health.
    — Forrest Brown, CNN, 21 June 2022
Definition of limber
Adjective
  • Healthy jobs growth could boost views that the US economy is resilient and has room to run this year.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Though the circumstances are (obviously) not ideal, Kim seems to be approaching the Olympics with a resilient mindset.
    — Jenny McCoy, SELF, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of resilient
Adjective
  • Then, around four weeks, as the collagen starts to mature, tissues typically feel softer and more pliable.
    — Jolene Edgar, Allure, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Microwave on HIGH until hot and pliable, about 1 minute, 30 seconds.
    — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026
Definition of pliable
Adjective
  • The large, flat-front elastic waistband has an adjustable drawstring for maximum comfort, while the front and back pockets keep essentials close and your hands free.
    — Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The result is dryer and less elastic skin.
    — Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of elastic

Browse Nearby Words

supplants
supple
supplement
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Cite this Entry

“Supple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supple. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on supple

Nglish: Translation of supple for Spanish Speakers

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