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 shoes themselves are lightweight and have elastic laces that flex with your foot, so your shoes fit more comfortably. Christopher Murray 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, 8 Sep. 2025 The researchers found that the composite was stronger and more elastic when HA was added, and HA slowed down the material’s degradation, ensuring the scaffold lasted long enough to support new bone growth. New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2025 The advance comes from blending semiconducting polymers with elastic rubber. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2025 While their elastic waistband and relaxed silhouette will keep you cool and comfortable throughout long days of wear, their sleek design works well for days at the office as well as date nights on the beach, according to reviews. Averi Baudler, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elastic
Adjective
  • The refrigerated deliveries are flexible based on your schedule and feature eco-friendly packaging.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Crops are left unharvested in response to market conditions, but they could be marketed with connections to more flexible buyers.
    Ivanka Trump, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • CFMoto has given the naked a custom subframe, gullwing-style swingarm, and KYB suspension, which includes 41 mm upside-down forks and a monoshock – both of which are adjustable.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This Amazon version features the same suede leather construction, adjustable metal buckle straps, and non-slip outsole, along with a cork footbed with a deep heel cup for lightweight cushioning and arch support.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The collection includes the straight-leg Teddy in rigid and stretch fabrics; the ’90s inspired Gus with a relaxed and slouchy fit; the Jackson, a barrel-leg jean with a V-waist; the Kyle, a stretch flare; and the Leo, a straight-meets-barrel silhouette with a high rise.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This lack of performance honesty hinders Black women from course-correcting or demonstrating readiness for stretch roles.
    Gena Cox, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Road trips, hikes, and beach destinations with pet-friendly hotels can work well for adaptable animals.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
  • On the other hand, GPUs remain extremely adaptable, capable of managing both training and inference across diverse models.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Fish 10 to 20 feet deep with plastic worms or jig and pigs.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Charges previously alleged that the woman had placed the newborn in a plastic bag before throwing it out of the bathroom window onto concrete, the outlet reported.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • When tested, the team found that the new material is extremely stretchy, able to safely handle ~4600% strain (like stretching 1 cm of gel to 46 cm without breaking).
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The buzzy long-sleeve shirt has a cute ribbed design, and it’s made of soft, stretchy fabric that doesn’t feel overly restrictive.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The economic environment remains foggy, with uncertainty around tariffs and a labor market that, while softening in some areas, remains remarkably resilient in others.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • While growth is modest, from about 52,300 jobs in 2021 to 54,300 projected by 2030, these roles are essential to building climate-resilient infrastructure.
    Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Researchers in Taiwan have developed a stretchable, self-healing gel that changes color when pulled or heated.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Smart wearables could benefit from stretchable sensors capable of recovering their functionality even after sustaining significant damage.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 18 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elastic. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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