FLEXIBLE Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'flexible' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of flexible are elastic , resilient , springy , and supple . While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," 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: Where would 'elastic' be a reasonable alternative to 'flexible'?

While in some cases nearly identical to flexible , elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching. // an elastic waistband

Q: When would 'resilient' be a good substitute for 'flexible'?

Although the words resilient and flexible have much in common, resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed. // a resilient innersole

Q: When is it sensible to use 'springy' instead of 'flexible'?

The words springy and flexible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could 'supple' be used to replace 'flexible'?

The words supple and flexible can be used in similar contexts, but supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury. // supple leather

flexible

adjective

ˈflek-sə-bəl

Definition of flexible next

as in adjustable

capable of being readily changed fortunately, that working mother has a very flexible schedule for her office job

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relaxed

not bound by rigid standards parents with a flexible attitude when it comes to the children's bedtime

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in plastic

able to bend easily without breaking the tent was held up by crisscrossing flexible rods threaded through the top

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stretch

able to revert to original size and shape after being stretched, squeezed, or twisted used a flexible plastic for the toy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective flexible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of flexible are elastic, resilient, springy, and supple. While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," 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

Where would elastic be a reasonable alternative to flexible?

While in some cases nearly identical to flexible, elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

When would resilient be a good substitute for flexible?

Although the words resilient and flexible have much in common, resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

When is it sensible to use springy instead of flexible?

The words springy and flexible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could supple be used to replace flexible?

The words supple and flexible can be used in similar contexts, but 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 flexible Plans feature flexible service fees, a 180-day workmanship guarantee and 24/7 service requests. —

Caroline Ernst, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026 The research team also revealed that their strategy is a highly effective approach for improving not only the thermoelectric and mechanical performances of Ag2Se but also its applicability in curved or flexible energy harvesting devices. —

Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026 Pickup soccer and informal play Pickup soccer remains the most flexible — and often the least expensive — way to play across the Front Range. —

Julia King, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026 Next, account for flexible international costs. —

Fazila Shahid Lodhi, Idaho Statesman, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flexible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flexible

Adjective

An adjustable interior drawstring makes for a customizable fit, too.

— Claire West, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
The portable treadmill is designed to fit easily into your space, turning any room into a walking track with adjustable incline, remote control, and a display for tracking distance and calories.

— Tory Johnson, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026

Definition of adjustable

Browse Nearby Words

flexibility

flexible

flexile

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Flexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flexible. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of flexible

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on flexible

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

enjoin

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Are You Misusing These 10 Common Words?

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

The Words of the Week - Apr. 10

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?

Why do we say 'make a beeline'?

Popular

Are You Misusing These 10 Common Words?

The Longest Long Words List

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Games & Quizzes