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.

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Recent Examples on the Web

Consumers will continue to gravitate to getting their shows through flexible apps, rather than static channels. —Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2023

This can include volunteering opportunities or philanthropic donations, benefits offerings, flexible work arrangements, employee resource groups, and community service. 2. —Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2023

Ijaz gave more details about how the company overcame an intrinsic yellowing issue with TPU — a flexible material often used for clear cases. —Wes Davis, The Verge, 12 Sep. 2023

They are made with flexible, lightweight foam that dries quickly and is cushioned and comfortable to wear. —Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2023

With a flowy skirt, slit, and high-low hem, this piece has a romantic look and a flexible fit thanks to an elastic waistband. —Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2023

Still, all those choices easily make Shadow the most flexible remote gaming service in terms of platforms. —Joe Hindy, PCMAG, 8 Sep. 2023

The polyester fabric is similar to our stretchiest, most flexible pick and is comfortable against the skin—more so than most shells. —Danny Perez, Popular Mechanics, 6 Sep. 2023

The game is also flexible enough to provide a more solitary experience. —Gene Park, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2023

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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