flexible

adjective

flex·​i·​ble ˈflek-sə-bəl 

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

ˌflek-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

flexibly

ˈflek-sə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• adaptable
• adjustable
• alterable
• changeable
• elastic
• fluid
• malleable
• modifiable
• pliable
• variable

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

Beyond booking the cheapest airlines, travelers can save by buying tickets with specific airlines on certain days, being flexible, and setting price alerts. —Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2024

The flexible, as-a-service solution integrates industry-leading tools into layers of defense tailored to businesses' infrastructure and cloud services. —Sacramento Bee, 6 June 2024

Think more magnet programs, more high schools offering college credit opportunities, and more flexible scheduling, among other possibilities. —Riley Robinson, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 June 2024

Still others argued that the husband should probably be cooking both breakfast and dinner, considering his more flexible schedule. —Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 4 June 2024

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

Kids Definition

flexible

adjective

flex·​i·​ble ˈflek-sə-bəl 

1

: capable of being bent : pliant

2

: readily changed or changing : adaptable

a flexible schedule

flexibility

ˌflek-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

flexibly

ˈflek-sə-blē 

adverb

Medical Definition

flexible

adjective

flex·​i·​ble ˈflek-sə-bəl 

: capable of being flexed : capable of being turned, bowed, or twisted without breaking

flexible bandages

a flexible fiber-optic bronchoscope

flexibility

ˌflek-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

plural flexibilities