flexible

adjective

flex·i·ble ˈflek-sə-bəl

Synonyms of flexible next

: capable of being flexed : pliant

flexible branches swaying in the breeze

: yielding to influence : tractable

a flexible person without strong convictions

: 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

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

Example Sentences

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web Put aside a few hours each day for downtime and be flexible about adjusting plans on the go. —

Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2023 Mary Alice Vuicic: Without a doubt, remote and flexible work is here to stay. —

Amber Burton, Fortune, 12 May 2023 In contrast, women who have flexible hours are three times as likely to stay at their workplace for the next five years. —

Gabriela Riccardi, Quartz, 11 May 2023 These Skechers come in eight different colorways and have a flexible sole to ensure the perfect fit. —

Kelsey Mulvey, womenshealthmag.com, 11 May 2023 Arrays of these odor generators, which are millimeters in size, are incorporated into thin, flexible sheets of electronics. —

Simon Makin, Scientific American, 9 May 2023 As Collins explained, the lens in our eye gets stiffer and less flexible with age, a trend some of us can absolutely relate to. —

Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 5 May 2023 Small, secure external pockets and mesh inside pockets provide enough space for smaller items, and two small pegs on the front allow the bag to stand upright on its own, rather than slowly tipping forward like many flexible roller bags. —

Casey Clark, Popular Mechanics, 5 May 2023 The best fillet knives need to be durable, flexible, provide plenty of grip, and be easy to sharpen. —

Cosmo Genova, Field & Stream, 3 May 2023 See More

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

See more words from the same century