supple

¹sup·ple

adj \ˈsə-pəl also ˈsü-\

sup·pler\-p(ə-)lər\sup·plest\-p(ə-)ləst\

Definition of SUPPLE

1

a : compliant often to the point of obsequiousness b : readily adaptable or responsive to new situations

2

a : capable of being bent or folded without creases, cracks, or breaks : pliant <supple leather> b : able to perform bending or twisting movements with ease : limber <supple legs of a dancer> c : easy and fluent without stiffness or awkwardness <sang with a lively, supple voice — Douglas Watt>

— sup·ple·ly \-pə(l)-lē\ or sup·ply \-p(ə-)lē\ adverb

— sup·ple·ness \-pəl-nəs\ noun

Examples of SUPPLE

1. <a dome tent outfitted with supple fiberglass tent poles>
2. <shoes made from supple leather>

Origin of SUPPLE

Middle English souple, from Anglo-French suple, from Latin supplic-, supplex entreating for mercy, supplicant, perhaps from sub- + -plic- (akin to plicare to fold) — more at ply

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SUPPLE

Synonyms: bendy [chiefly British], flexible, limber, lissome (also lissom), lithe, lithesome, pliable, pliant, willowy

Antonyms: inflexible, rigid, stiff, stiffened

Related Words: adaptable, ductile, elastic, fluid, kneadable, malleable, modifiable, plastic, variable, yielding; droopy, flaccid, floppy, limp; semiflexible

Near Antonyms: inelastic, nonmalleable, unyielding; breakable, brittle, fragile

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at elastic