supple

adjective

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sup·ple | \ ˈsə-pəl

also ˈsü- \

suppler\ ˈsə-p(ə-)lər

\; supplest\ ˈsə-p(ə-)ləst

Definition of supple

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : compliant often to the point of obsequiousness

b : readily adaptable or responsive to new situations

2a : 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

supple

verb

suppled; suppling\ ˈsə-p(ə-)liŋ

Definition of supple (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to make pacific or complaisant supple the tempers of your race— Laurence Sterne

2 : to alleviate with a salve

3 : to make flexible or pliant

intransitive verb

: to become soft and pliant

Other Words from supple Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about supple

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Choose the Right Synonym for supple

Adjective

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 supple in a Sentence

Adjective a dome tent outfitted with supple fiberglass tent poles shoes made from supple leather

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective These formulas will leave your skin feeling and looking as supple and radiant as your favorite moisturizer. — Devon Abelman, Allure, "The Best Foundations for Dry Skin, According to Makeup Artists," 9 July 2020 More moisture means softer, smoother, and more supple skin. — Rozalynn S. Frazier, SELF, "The 13 Best New Facial Treatments," 8 July 2020 Under more civilized driving conditions, the Prime has a firm brake pedal that lacks any regenerative weirdness, its steering is responsive, and aside from letting a few sharp impacts reverberate through its structure, its ride quality is supple. — David Beard, Car and Driver, "Tested: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is Quicker Than Supra 2.0," 2 July 2020 Not only does its supple Italian leather get better with age, the material is also easier to clean than regular canvas, keeping the shoes looking better longer. — Lindsey Olander, Condé Nast Traveler, "11 White Sneakers That Pair With Everything In Your Suitcase," 8 June 2020 Light line and supple rods are best for crappie fishing. — Popular Science, "A beginner’s guide to freshwater fishing," 1 June 2020 But the new car's damping is overly supple and sacrifices the tight body motions that characterized previous Cadillac sport sedans. — Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, "The New CT5 Is a Step Backwards for Cadillac," 30 Jan. 2020 Cantonese is supple, playful, full of puns and double entendres. — Yi-ling Liu, Harper's Magazine, "Dream State," 31 Aug. 2019 With his supple, approachable plays, Mr. McNally emerged as a pivotal American dramatist, particularly as art and politics collided during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and 1990s. — Abigail Hauslohner, Washington Post, "The first 1,000 U.S.," 12 Apr. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'supple.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.