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 new ‘It’ bag has been spotted on Bella Hadid numerous times: the Brooklyn 39 in both smooth black leather and supple cedar suede. Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Nov. 2024 The party is essentially a family firm, now fronted by his more politically supple daughter Marine Le Pen. Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024 This particular ingredient contains a slew of amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals essential for plump, supple skin. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 29 Oct. 2024 Strong yet supple leather is a great choice for a passport holder, while vegan leather (typically PU) offers an alternative for those who prefer to avoid leather for ethical or economical reasons. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 15 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for supple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supple
Adjective
  • The device uses microneedles and flexible wiring to capture neural signals just beneath the skin, enhancing signal quality while minimizing invasiveness.
    Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Want a new career that’s higher-paying, more flexible or fulfilling?
    Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 18 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
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
Adjective
  • The elastic waistband is forgiving (especially post-resort buffet), and the wide legs allow airflow, even in hot climates.
    Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025
  • This matching linen set includes a short-sleeve crop top and wide-leg pants with an elastic waistband.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on supple

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!