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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 The flexible openings give little hands the opportunity to grasp, shake, and stack. Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025 From car couriers to bikes to sidewalk robots and now drones, Uber is aiming to build the most flexible delivery network in the world. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025 Newcastle are also being more flexible with their travel schedule after games. George Caulkin, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 On the one hand, these vehicles lower the exposure of specialized troops and provide flexible support for frontline operations. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flexible
Adjective
  • Even the arm and backrests are adjustable to provide the maximum amount of comfort while lounging.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 Oct. 2025
  • With adjustable speed settings and options for hard or soft surfaces, the game grows with players and adapts to any space.
    Emily Glover, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • A little retro and a little preppy, the V-neck collar and lapel details elevate the soft and relaxed look to something super chic.
    Nusrat Sultana, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Available in 18 different colors, this combo includes a perfectly oversized hoodie and a pair of relaxed jogger sweatpants, complete with two side pockets and an adjustable drawstring waistband.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Its lagers and IPAs tend to skew floral and citrusy, perfect for sipping from a plastic cup in the brewery's dog park.
    Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the people defacing Friend’s advertisements are expressing a much larger, inchoate rage at the broader AI industry, not just these plastic pendants that practically nobody owns.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Give emerging leaders real authority quickly by assigning stretch tasks that carry visible stakes.
    Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Made out of non-stretch organic cotton, the jeans are finished with gold contrast stitching and equipped with a classic five-pocket design that’s not only visually appealing but also practical (providing ample space for storing your lip gloss tubes and phone).
    Kristina Rutkowski, Footwear News, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While mountain lions are highly adaptable to various ecosystems, their numbers declined historically due to being hunted by fearful humans.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • These adaptable machines could be deployed in environments currently too dangerous or inaccessible for humans or conventional robots.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For months, Josh Merrill thought Preller — who, of course, was wearing a floppy hat and basketball shorts that day — was an international scout.
    Brittany Ghiroli, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The bristles are neither too floppy nor too stiff, neither too long nor too short, and are cut to the perfect rounded shape that’s just right for swirling pigment over the apples or spreading it along your cheekbones—without having to work too hard for a completely natural finish.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, taking stock of your insurance is a great place to start, said Elizabeth Hausler, founder and former CEO of Build Change, a global nonprofit that helps homeowners make their properties more resilient.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Paying homage to this history, the 2025 iteration’s Chemigum outsole is oil-resistant, and its roughout leather is much more resilient than the comparable suede, though with a similar underhand feel.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As Perez wrote, Musk’s free-speech absolutism was a fiction perpetuated by a pliant media.
    Jacob Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Accusations of Russian interference Ahead of the election, Sandu accused Russia of attempting to sway the vote to install a government more pliant to Moscow through a vast disinformation campaign.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flexible. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on flexible

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