ELASTIC Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'elastic' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of elastic are flexible , resilient , springy , and supple . While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching. // an elastic waistband

Q: When could 'flexible' be used to replace 'elastic'?

The meanings of flexible and elastic largely overlap; however, 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

Q: When might 'resilient' be a better fit than 'elastic'?

Although the words resilient and elastic have much in common, resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed. // a resilient innersole

Q: In what contexts can 'springy' take the place of 'elastic'?

The words springy and elastic can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: When can 'supple' be used instead of 'elastic'?

The words supple and elastic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury. // supple leather

elastic

adjective

i-ˈla-stik

Definition of elastic

as in flexible

able to revert to original size and shape after being stretched, squeezed, or twisted elastic rubber bands

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in adjustable

capable of being readily changed when vacationing, we generally have very elastic daily sightseeing plans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective elastic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of elastic are flexible, resilient, springy, and supple. While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

When could flexible be used to replace elastic?

The meanings of flexible and elastic largely overlap; however, 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

When might resilient be a better fit than elastic?

Although the words resilient and elastic have much in common, resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

In what contexts can springy take the place of elastic?

The words springy and elastic can be used in similar contexts, but 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

When can supple be used instead of elastic?

The words supple and elastic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.

supple leather

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of elastic The song’s production has the elastic bounce of a pure pop hit. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026 Vibrations merge into rhythm The experimental material combines elastic structures, sensors, electronics and actuators. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026 As always, Howerton is the cast MVP, with his elastic, expressive face selling all of probable-serial killer Dennis’s most hyperbolic reactions. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026 For those unfamiliar, the unisex style is typically defined by elastic side panels that allow the shoe to seamlessly slip on and off. — Catie Pusateri, Glamour, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elastic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elastic

Adjective

Paired with on-site energy storage, SSTs could turn data centers from blunt-force loads into more flexible participants in the grid.

— Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Trump’s flexible realism also entails recognizing the need to form bespoke coalitions of the willing to augment the United Nations and other large multilateral institutions.

— Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of flexible

Adjective

This accent color continues into the cabin on the dashboard and center console, while the standard four-way power-adjustable sport seats add to the sense of occasion with plaid inserts.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
Their two top sellers are the Banyan pant, which is a snap pant, and a Move and Groove pant, both of which are adjustable.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of adjustable

Adjective

If he — or any center — is sidelined for any stretch again, the Bulls will rely heavily on Smith as a stretch big man who can cover a lot of ground on both ends of the court.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026
The synthetic hand has learned to split silk strands, thread a needle, stretch fabric across a frame, and stitch, following a craft with more than 2,500 years of history.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of stretch

Adjective

Several expand or open, while others use moving furniture or adaptable interiors to maximize functionality.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
The program’s open-architecture approach is intended to make those systems more adaptable as operational requirements evolve.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of adaptable

Adjective

The defense rested its case on Thursday in the death penalty case of Alberto Sierra, who admitted to snuffing the lives of his estranged wife and her two young daughters with a plastic bag.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Finish by gently scraping off the wallpaper with a plastic paint scraper.

— Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of plastic

Adjective

One fan takes the opportunity to ask for his thoughts on Memphis hip-hop — underrated in its influence, Diplo says — while another shrewdly hands over a stretchy cord bracelet with a flash drive loaded with music for submission.

— Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Made of strong, stretchy plastic, the webbing’s thin, hard-to-see strands can cling to animals and become wrapped around their bodies, posing a serious entanglement hazard.

— Katie Koschalk, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of stretchy

Adjective

Faisal Munir, president of mission-critical communications at L3Harris, said the partnership combines complementary technologies with resilient networks.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Economists say that as long as unemployment stays low and Americans continue working, spending will likely stay resilient.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of resilient

Adjective

In this new work, a soft, stretchable mechanochromic material was developed.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Featuring short-sleeves, a V-neck cut, smocked high waist, and wide-leg design, this soft and stretchable jumpsuit provides extreme comfort.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026

Definition of stretchable

Browse Nearby Words

elapsing

elastic

elasticity

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Elastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elastic. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of elastic

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

asunder

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Oct. 23

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes