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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 Stay flexible and adjust your schedule accordingly. Amy Kwan, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2025 Rounding out the key specs are Shimano 8-speed shifting that caters for flexible ride choices, a color display positioned mid-handlebar for at-a-glance status checks, and a 30-lux headlight as well as a braking tail-light to help with daytime visibility and after-dark travel. New Atlas, 16 Apr. 2025 But that flexible pandemic relief has now been exhausted. Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025 There is no official children’s menu, but the kitchen is fairly flexible and always has something on hand. Nicole Trilivas, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flexible
Adjective
  • The wooden slats are uniform, but rounded edges help create a more relaxed outdoor atmosphere.
    Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The war isn’t over, but at this writing, mandates have tightened (not relaxed) across major companies like Amazon, AT&T and Boeing.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Use a breathable paper or mesh bag, not plastic, to store your hyacinth bulbs.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2025
  • In South Broward County, Gladys Vasquez of Miramar clutches a plastic grocery bag and says the contents continue to cost more, listing foods like cheese and yogurt.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But farther up Doheny, a black sea of stretch limos and town cars flowed in and out of another, bigger, more raucous post-Oscar blowout still in full swing.
    Scott Huver, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Additionally, Korkmaz said stretch fabrics are making a strong comeback, reminiscent of the early 2000s, but reimagined with current technology.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Research shows that people who are more curious often feel more fulfilled and adaptable.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The discovery suggests Denisovans were adaptable to a variety of environments and climates, from chilly, high-elevation places like Siberia and the Tibetan Plateau to warm, humid locales like Taiwan.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • However, ear infections in dogs—especially those with floppy ears—are typically caused by moisture rather than chlorine itself.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Most notable — her floppy ears became hoop earrings.
    Michael Paulson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite promising research underway around the world, including efforts to develop more resilient vanilla orchids, climate impacts are likely to cause more shortages and price spikes in years to come.
    SAVEUR Editors, Saveur, 16 Apr. 2025
  • With more regulations on the horizon, taking action now not only reduces future compliance risks but also positions buildings to be cost-efficient and more resilient in the long run.
    Manish Kumar, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Political parties have been dissolved by a pliant judiciary.
    Sun Narin, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • During subsequent decades, the Soviets and its pliant regime were defeated, the country was racked by civil war, and various Islamist groups became ascendant, including the Mujahedin, Taliban, al-Qaeda, and Isis-Khorasan.
    Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The fashion house’s artisans began experimenting with the material—which is extremely lightweight, strong, and pliable—and eventually created handles out of them by gently bending the stalks with fire and then applying many coats of lacquer.
    Diana Budds, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2025
  • When temperatures rise above three hundred and fifty degrees Celsius, rock becomes soft and pliable.
    Brent Crane, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flexible. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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