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
• lithe
• lissome
• lithesome

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

The wide-leg silhouette is universally flattering, and the smocked elastic waistband makes these easy to wear for hours on end, even on a red-eye flight. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026

With a six-inch inseam and an elastic waistband, these shorts are as effortless as the coordinating linen top, moving with the body for all-day comfort. — Morgan Sullivan, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026

The answer lies in the laws of elastic rope-coiling, which mathematically describe how ropes and other materials coil. — New Atlas, 6 July 2026

Many alternative plant fibers are shorter, coarser and less elastic than cotton or wool, complicating processing on conventional machinery. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 7 July 2026