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

Other Words from supple

Adjective

supplely \ ˈsə-pə(l)-lē

\ or supply \ ˈsə-p(ə-)lē

\ adverb

suppleness \ ˈsə-pəl-nəs

\ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for supple

Synonyms: Adjective

Antonyms: Adjective

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 Specialists within the resorts' spa point to Guerlain's Orchidée Impériale Black Cream as uber-hydrating and the source of supple, radiant skin in treatment. — Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping, 29 July 2022 The top layer of crunchy skin gave way to a layer of glistening fat perched atop supple pork meat. — Andi Berlin, The Arizona Republic, 27 July 2022 Thrive’s collagen does fluff up beverages with a nice supple foam. — Maggie Lange, Bon Appétit, 22 July 2022 If keeping your skin soft and supple during summer is top of mind, look to an under-the-radar brand that harnesses the hydrating powers of an ancient grain. — Ariel Scotti, PEOPLE.com, 29 June 2022 Shea butter and coconut oil hydrate your underarms and keep them soft and supple, preventing chafing. — Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 10 June 2022 The pillow top is soft and supple, with a very luxurious feel. — Zach Epstein, BGR, 24 Apr. 2022 Her supple, plump lips juxtapose with her triangular, pointed, upturned nose and jutting eyebrow. — Natasha Gural, Forbes, 24 June 2022 His imagery has gotten more supple, sometimes exuberant, looser yet precise. — Armond White, National Review, 3 June 2022 See More

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.