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 Cut pieces from leg seams or belt loops, wrap them around elastic, and stitch or glue them into place. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2025 The scientists additionally discovered that the water's surface tension provides all the elastic force that is needed to cause the strands to fan out. New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2025 The pants also have an elastic, high waistline and matching contrast stitching along the bottom hem. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2025 Similarly, with rapid weight and fat pad loss, your skin may not be elastic enough to reduce in size and area as well, leading to sagging skin and soft tissue. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elastic
Adjective
  • Strategies will remain flexible to adjust to changing fire behavior, terrain, and resource availability.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • By learning from nature’s most flexible swimmer, the octopus, researchers hope to overcome these challenges and make underwater machines more capable, adaptable, and sustainable.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The design is simple yet effective, with zippered hand pockets, thumbholes, an adjustable hem, and a chin guard built into the hood.
    Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Nearly 3,000 Amazon shoppers gave the candle trio a five-star rating for their adjustable brightness, realistic flickering features, and neutral colors.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Triumph loose fit jeans are made with stretch denim.
    may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Mark Ix, Advance Denim’s director of North American marketing, said Infinity enables a new level of stretch performance with exceptional yields and comfort.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The company pointed out that the integration of laser systems on the lightweight, highly mobile ISV platform reflects a commitment to scalable, adaptable, and expeditionary force protection solutions.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Samsung's success has shown that foldables are a functional evolution of mobile hardware—one that turns the phone into an adaptable tool able to transition from compact to expansive, depending on the task at hand.
    Mark Vena, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • An in-person visit with the singer was leaked on social media in January 2024 where the pair shared an intimate moment through a plastic divider.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Each cell had two toilets and two small tanks of water, for washing and drinking; each man was given a plastic cup and a quarter of a bar of soap.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s made from soft, stretchy mesh fabric and has a slim fit that accentuates all the right places.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Baleaf Petite Ankle Slacks These lightweight, stretchy ankle pants are a game-changer for petite travelers like myself.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But New Orleans is more than resilient.
    Essence, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
  • This beautiful flight attendant is resilient, hardworking, and looking for her soulmate.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Smart wearables could benefit from stretchable sensors capable of recovering their functionality even after sustaining significant damage.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 18 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elastic. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on elastic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!