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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 While larger manufacturing companies with more robust and flexible supply chains are able to adapt to shifting trade conditions, smaller businesses, like Allvan, are hit hard, according to Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Raphael Bostic. Molly Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Oct. 2025 In particular, screens mated to computers, the most flexible machines ever invented. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2025 Redfin suggests that to keep home purchase agreements in place, sellers should get a pre-inspection, be realistic and flexible with concessions and repairs, and price the home appropriately. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025 The three-story homes feature two to three bedrooms, one to two car garages, and a flexible workspace. Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flexible
Adjective
  • The finished material is durable and highly flexible, with adjustable electrical resistance and low surface density.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The double-breasted jacket has notched lapels, two pockets, adjustable wrist cuffs, and a waist tie.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The long sleeves, side pockets, and relaxed silhouette will layer well over a T-shirt this fall and can be worn under a heavier jacket in the winter.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • This specific cut has a comfy, relaxed fit that still shows off your best features, and is made with a slightly-stretchy comfort denim that won’t dig into you during the day.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • SACs produced from plastic waste showed excellent performance in breaking down diverse micropollutants in water and in boosting clean-energy technologies such as batteries and fuel cells.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The plastic container with seasoning was broken and soiled.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Horford brings a stretch presence that can knock down open shots and score to help navigate the non-Curry minutes more comfortably.
    Jannelle Moore, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The non-stretch jean has a dry indigo wash and features curved legs with an extra seam for structure and oversized back pockets.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Also called wild hyacinth or Atlantic camas, this adaptable perennial produces spikes of up to twenty pale blue, pink, or white blooms that open sequentially from the bottom upward.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Many feature regions with differing mechanical properties, guiding robots with complex, adaptable movements.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Look out for celebrities and wearers of floppy felt hats.
    Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Oracle was born in the floppy-disk era; Larry Ellison made his first billion in 1992.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The key to raising emotionally resilient kids is the ability to repair.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The hydrodynamic prototype is made to withstand tropical storms, demonstrates how OTEC could deliver resilient and reliable energy to storm-prone regions.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Raskob took his own leap into the political fray by bankrolling Smith and using the DNC to settle scores—with the help of a pliant press.
    Evan Hughes, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2025
  • As Perez wrote, Musk’s free-speech absolutism was a fiction perpetuated by a pliant media.
    Jacob Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flexible. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on flexible

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