Synonyms of flexible

flexible

adjective

ˈflek-sə-bəl 

1

as in adjustable

capable of being readily changed

fortunately, that working mother has a very flexible schedule for her office job

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in relaxed

not bound by rigid standards

parents with a flexible attitude when it comes to the children's bedtime

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relaxed
• unrestricted
• careless
• easygoing
• sloppy
• loose
• slack
• lax
• lazy
• unrestrained
• negligent
• irresponsible
• slovenly
• neglectful
• slipshod
• heedless
• unfussy
• remiss
• sloven
• derelict

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rigid
• hard
• strict
• severe
• rigorous
• stern
• harsh
• tight
• restricted
• careful
• restrained
• conscientious
• exact
• meticulous
• constrained
• inflexible
• scrupulous
• fussy
• punctilious
• painstaking
• implacable

3

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

• plastic
• adaptable
• floppy
• pliant
• pliable
• limber
• supple
• willowy
• bendy
• modifiable
• lithe
• lissom
• elastic
• malleable
• variable
• fluid
• yielding
• ductile
• lissome
• lithesome
• limp
• flaccid
• kneadable
• semiflexible
• droopy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rigid
• inflexible
• stiff
• stiffened
• inelastic
• unyielding
• fragile
• brittle
• nonmalleable
• breakable

4

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of flexible

Smith said the fact that his proposal came so close to passage proves there is wide support behind changing the law to allow flexible use of hotel taxes to fund community needs like public transit. —Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2025

And according to Reuters, Tehran has asked Gulf countries to lobby US President Donald Trump to press Israel to cease hostilities in exchange for more flexible nuclear negotiations. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 16 June 2025

Employers can expand access to paid paternity leave and flexible scheduling, allowing fathers to be more present from the beginning of their children’s lives. —Eric Adams, New York Daily News, 15 June 2025

Additionally, younger generations often prefer flexible, episodic volunteer opportunities over long-term commitments, which can impact traditional volunteer models. —Belal Aftab, Mercury News, 15 June 2025