flexible

Tweet

adjective

Definition of FLEXIBLE

1

capable of being readily changed <fortunately, that working mother has a very flexible schedule for her office job>

Synonyms adaptable, adjustable, alterable, changeable, elastic, fluid, malleable, modifiable, pliable, variable

Related Words changing, fluctuating, inconstant, labile, unstable, unsteady, varying, versatile

Near Antonyms constant, stable, steady, unchanging, uniform, unvarying

Antonyms established, fixed, immutable, inelastic, inflexible, invariable, nonmalleable, ramrod, set, unadaptable, unalterable, unbudgeable, unchangeable

2

not bound by rigid standards <parents with a flexible attitude when it comes to the children's bedtime>

Synonyms flexible, lax, loose, relaxed, slack, unrestrained, unrestricted

Related Words careless, derelict, heedless, irresponsible, lazy, neglectful, negligent, remiss, slipshod, sloppy, sloven, slovenly, unfussy

Near Antonyms constrained, restrained, restricted, tight; careful, conscientious, exact, fussy, meticulous, painstaking, punctilious, scrupulous; implacable, inflexible

Antonyms hard, harsh, rigid, rigorous, severe, stern, strict

3

able to bend easily without breaking <the tent was held up by crisscrossing flexible rods threaded through the top>

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

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

Antonyms inflexible, rigid, stiff, stiffened

4

able to revert to original size and shape after being stretched, squeezed, or twisted <used a flexible plastic for the toy>

Synonyms bouncy, flexible, resilient, rubberlike, rubbery, springy, stretch, stretchable, stretchy, supple, whippy

Related Words adaptable, ductile, kneadable, malleable, moldable, plastic, pliable, pliant; limber, lissome (also lissom), lithe, lithesome, willowy

Near Antonyms compact, firm, hard, solid, unyielding; brittle, crisp, crumbly, flaky (also flakey), friable, short

Antonyms inelastic, inflexible, nonelastic, rigid, stiff