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

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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 bodice features an elastic, shirred back to keep everything in place and secure. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 11 July 2026 Beneath that sits a tough magnesium alloy layer, followed by a hyper-elastic foam that deforms heavily to swallow the brunt of the kinetic shock waves. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026 Fractures are known to occur in certain elastic complex fluids, which can act like solids under certain conditions. — Rohini Subrahmanyam, Quanta Magazine, 10 July 2026 That sounds way better than messing around with a complex spider web of pole segments, elastic cords, sleeves and clips. — New Atlas, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for elastic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elastic

Adjective

Existing furniture and materials are reused in line with the brand’s B Corp certification, while new elements have been designed for flexible use across different collections and layouts.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 13 July 2026
Made entirely from flexible, compliant materials, the system eliminates the need for conventional electronic sensors and control circuits, reducing complexity and potential failure points.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026

Definition of flexible

Adjective

The shorts also have a zipper and flap pocket on either hip to store your small belongings, and it’s built with an elastic waistband and drawstring for an adjustable fit.

— Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2026
To keep up with the fast-moving aerial acts, the app features an adjustable countdown timer set to the official schedule.

— Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of adjustable

Adjective

The company says the adaptable production system is already capable of producing hundreds of solid rocket motors annually and is designed to increase manufacturing speed while reducing production bottlenecks.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026
But other types of AI workloads—like inference—are much less dependent on satellite-to-satellite latency and may be adaptable to operate within satellite constellations.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026

Definition of adaptable

Adjective

The bronzer offers semi-sheer pigment in just two surprisingly stretchy shades.

— Deanna Pai, Vogue, 10 July 2026
This weekend’s steepest deals also include solar lights for fence posts, bird feeders, stretchy jeans, swimsuit cover-ups, and kitchen tools that make cooking easier and quicker.

— Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026

Definition of stretchy

Adjective

The study proposes 12 strategies to strengthen the ecosystem, including expanding funding tools, improving tax incentives, supporting distribution and promotion, and recognizing the operational costs needed to build resilient production companies.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 11 July 2026
Despite their simple on-off style, the shoes have a rugged, resilient design that’s fit to take on long walks and tough trails.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 11 July 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

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“Elastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elastic. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of elastic

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