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

Examples of elastic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The name itself is a nod to the elastic mechanism housed within the temples, designed to provide unparalleled comfort and fit. Fairchild Studio, WWD, 18 Sep. 2024 Wrapping your heel with an elastic bandage can reduce swelling and support your heel while walking. Sarah Richards, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2024 The $17 design features two subtle side slits and a comfortable elastic waistband that’s flexible and easy to pull on. Megan Schaltegger, Peoplemag, 10 Sep. 2024 But if your budget is just a bit more elastic, the $160 Core i5-13400F nudges up the performance of the P-cores and adds E-cores to boot. Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for elastic 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elastic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near elastic

Cite this Entry

“Elastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elastic. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on elastic

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