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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 From software to computing power to network bandwidth, the entire technology stack is being redesigned around flexible, scalable consumption. Vincentas Grinius, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Palace’s centre-forward is flexible and able to adjust his role in these attacks depending on the situation, as seen in this example from the 1-0 victory against Ipswich Town in December. Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025 Federal officials have said that repealing the rule would allow for more flexible management for local land managers and aid in preventing destructive wildfires. John Leos, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2025 For larger separations, a flexible foam strip can be inserted before caulking to create a tighter seal. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flexible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flexible
Adjective
  • CFMoto has given the naked a custom subframe, gullwing-style swingarm, and KYB suspension, which includes 41 mm upside-down forks and a monoshock – both of which are adjustable.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This Amazon version features the same suede leather construction, adjustable metal buckle straps, and non-slip outsole, along with a cork footbed with a deep heel cup for lightweight cushioning and arch support.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Bateman matched The Truman Show actress in an all black ensemble consisting of dress pants, a blazer and a relaxed fit T-shirt.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The 100% leather seat and back have just enough slack never to feel too rigid against your back, while the lower-than-average seat height (only 14 inches high) gives off a relaxed and casual vibe.
    Elissa Suh, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Fish 10 to 20 feet deep with plastic worms or jig and pigs.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Charges previously alleged that the woman had placed the newborn in a plastic bag before throwing it out of the bathroom window onto concrete, the outlet reported.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The collection includes the straight-leg Teddy in rigid and stretch fabrics; the ’90s inspired Gus with a relaxed and slouchy fit; the Jackson, a barrel-leg jean with a V-waist; the Kyle, a stretch flare; and the Leo, a straight-meets-barrel silhouette with a high rise.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This lack of performance honesty hinders Black women from course-correcting or demonstrating readiness for stretch roles.
    Gena Cox, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Road trips, hikes, and beach destinations with pet-friendly hotels can work well for adaptable animals.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
  • On the other hand, GPUs remain extremely adaptable, capable of managing both training and inference across diverse models.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The 9-inch monochrome CRT was retained, but the floppy drive no longer had a door, and the keyboard was extended with several special keys.
    Cameron Kaiser, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
  • So pack that sunscreen, toss a floppy hat into your weekend bag, and get ready to sip fruity drinks with tiny umbrellas.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The economic environment remains foggy, with uncertainty around tariffs and a labor market that, while softening in some areas, remains remarkably resilient in others.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • While growth is modest, from about 52,300 jobs in 2021 to 54,300 projected by 2030, these roles are essential to building climate-resilient infrastructure.
    Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This led Liu to wonder if these pliant electronics might keep up with the mutable nature of embryonic brains.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 11 June 2025
  • Japan hasn’t been as pliant as Trump seemed to expect.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flexible. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

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