Synonyms of elastic

elastic

adjective

i-ˈla-stik 

1

as in flexible

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

elastic rubber bands

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flexible
• stretch
• plastic
• stretchy
• resilient
• stretchable
• rubbery
• rubberlike
• supple
• springy
• bouncy
• whippy
• ductile
• adaptable
• pliable
• pliant
• malleable
• moldable
• limber
• kneadable
• willowy
• lissom
• lithe
• lissome
• lithesome

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inelastic
• rigid
• stiff
• inflexible
• solid
• nonelastic
• compact
• hard
• firm
• unyielding
• short
• brittle
• friable
• flaky
• crisp
• crumbly
• flakey

2

as in adjustable

capable of being readily changed

when vacationing, we generally have very elastic daily sightseeing plans

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adjustable
• flexible
• adaptable
• changing
• pliable
• alterable
• variable
• malleable
• varying
• changeable
• modifiable
• fluid
• versatile
• unstable
• labile
• fluctuating
• unsteady
• inconstant

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inelastic
• fixed
• invariable
• immutable
• inflexible
• unchangeable
• unalterable
• established
• uniform
• constant
• set
• stable
• steady
• unadaptable
• ramrod
• nonmalleable
• unchanging
• unbudgeable
• unvarying

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

Recent Examples of elastic

Strong, moisturized, shiny, healthy hair that’s more elastic and less prone to breaking or split ends. —Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 24 June 2025

Spotting piles of elastic, Haskell had the idea of winding up some of the rubber yarn into a golf ball. —Miles Corwin, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025

His elastic counter-melodic approach to the bass redefined the role of the instrument in jazz and helped Evans reshape the very concept of the piano trio. —Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025

These lightweight, relaxed-fit bottoms have earned thousands of glowing reviews for their comfort and versatility, especially thanks to the flight-friendly elastic waistband. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2025