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

as in adjustable

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Cooling without electricity According to the scientists, the fabric is lightweight and flexible. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026 Another strength of Liberty Home Guard is its flexible service call fee. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026 The brush for fine hair is soft and flexible, while the Curly to Coily is stiffer and stronger to work through textured hair. — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 This kit makes both jobs simple with tools for cleaning up to 15-foot vents with flexible rods, specialty brushes that fit inside lint traps, and tweezers to reach into all the nooks and crannies. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flexible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flexible

Adjective

Thin straps also wrapped around the musician’s ankles, secured in place with adjustable buckle closures that kept the shoes secure.

— Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 23 Aug. 2026
People can adjust their sprinkler’s spread, Howarth said, or pay to replace their sprinkler heads with adjustable heads.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of adjustable

Adjective

The trouble is that these connections significantly change over time—they’re plastic.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2026
Vendors weave through the packed crowd hawking cans of beer, hard seltzer and jalapeño-tequila and cherry vodka Jell-O shots, served in plastic syringes.

— Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of plastic

Adjective

The non-stretch cotton fabric gives them a structured, straight drape, while the classic five-pocket design keeps the style simple enough to dress up or down.

— Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Currently, this spandex is produced in South Korea, China, India and Turkey, and adding Brazil will provide a new Western Hemisphere sourcing option for these stretch fibers.

— Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of stretch

Adjective

Modeling the look in the floor-length mirror of her hotel room, the mom of one paired the look with a floppy white sunhat, shades, and a pair of cream slippers.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 23 Aug. 2026
The clothes are body-conscious—with the occasional nod to a floppy tradwife sleeve.

— Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of floppy

Adjective

Based in Newark, New Jersey and launched from Princeton, the company supports the expansion of scalable and resilient mineral infrastructure needed for energy storage, electrification, and next-generation digital systems.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
Glenview Trust, Bloomberg No magic debt-to-GDP ratio signals disaster, since countries with more resilient economies can service more debt.

— Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of resilient

Adjective

Fernández’s theory is that Mark must have told the women the code to his safe in his pliant stupor.

— Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026
In many ways, Trump is at the height of his power, surrounded by pliant leaders and able to count on a cohesive group of followers.

— Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2026

Definition of pliant

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flexile

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“Flexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flexible. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of flexible

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