flexible

adjective

flex·​i·​ble ˈflek-sə-bəl How to pronounce flexible (audio)
1
: capable of being flexed : pliant
flexible branches swaying in the breeze
2
: yielding to influence : tractable
a flexible person without strong convictions
3
: characterized by a ready capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements
a flexible foreign policy
a flexible schedule
flexibility noun
flexibly adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for flexible

elastic, resilient, springy, flexible, supple mean able to endure strain without being permanently injured.

elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

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

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

supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.

supple leather

Examples of flexible in a Sentence

flexible branches swaying in the breeze a material that is both strong and flexible She's been doing exercises to become stronger and more flexible. Our schedule for the weekend is very flexible. This computer program has to be flexible to meet all our needs. Whatever you want to do is fine with me. I'm flexible.
Recent Examples on the Web Each blossom is made of white and pink silk that sits on a green plastic vine, which is flexible enough to maneuver and bend into an archway. Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2024 In the face of such dire predicaments, Monterey County supervisors in late February asked those distributing the aid to be as flexible as possible with documentation. Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2024 Breed’s office has said the measure was intentionally designed to be flexible on the treatment component. Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 But city officials say the rule is flexible by design: Maybe developments will save more water by developing their own plan than the city could have thought possible. Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024 Triumphantly Take the Stage Weeks After 2022 Brain Surgery This ability to compartmentalize, analyze and be flexible has served me well in marketing, particularly within fast-moving industries, like the cannabis industry. Magen Baker, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2024 The polyester-spandex blend is breathable, flexible, and perfect for active wear or just increased comfort during travel. David Moses, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2024 Effective time management involves creating a flexible study plan accommodating personal and professional commitments. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024 Inspired by the drummer’s flexible, almost pointillist use of rhythm, three choreographers, working in different modes, take on Roach’s catalogue. The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flexible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin flexibilis, from flexus (past participle of flectere "to cause to go in a different direction, bend, curve," of uncertain origin) + -ibilis -ible

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flexible was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near flexible

Cite this Entry

“Flexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flexible. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

flexible

adjective
flex·​i·​ble ˈflek-sə-bəl How to pronounce flexible (audio)
1
: capable of being bent : pliant
2
: readily changed or changing : adaptable
a flexible schedule
flexibility noun
flexibly adverb

Medical Definition

flexible

adjective
flex·​i·​ble ˈflek-sə-bəl How to pronounce flexible (audio)
: capable of being flexed : capable of being turned, bowed, or twisted without breaking
flexible bandages
a flexible fiber-optic bronchoscope
flexibility noun
plural flexibilities

More from Merriam-Webster on flexible

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!