1
as in unsubstantial
being of a material lacking in sturdiness or substance
a flimsy scarf that was more for decoration than for warmth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unlikely
not likely to be true or to occur
"The check is in the mail" is a pretty flimsy and tired excuse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 flimsy
Instead of flimsy flip-flops, podiatrists recommend sandals with contoured footbeds, adjustable straps, and a slight heel lift to ease tension on the Achilles and provide lasting support.
—
Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 29 May 2025
The simultaneous realization settles in that these impossible creatures actually exist…and that one is a mere 15 feet away from me and my flimsy human exterior.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 23 May 2025
There was a lot of trying to win free kicks, a lot of hitting long balls and a lot of frantic running in various directions, like kids chasing a flimsy, corner-shop ball around a playground, but very little sense of what anyone’s purpose was.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 22 May 2025
What rescues the movie from being mere flimsy fun is Rutherford’s performance.
—Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for flimsy
Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 29 May 2025
The simultaneous realization settles in that these impossible creatures actually exist…and that one is a mere 15 feet away from me and my flimsy human exterior.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 23 May 2025
There was a lot of trying to win free kicks, a lot of hitting long balls and a lot of frantic running in various directions, like kids chasing a flimsy, corner-shop ball around a playground, but very little sense of what anyone’s purpose was.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 22 May 2025
What rescues the movie from being mere flimsy fun is Rutherford’s performance.
—Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for flimsy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flimsy
Adjective
-
The hit isn’t unsubstantial: In 2024, textile exports to the United States accounted for 10.7 percent of China’s total textile exports, valued at $14.8 billion, and 22.7 percent of China’s total apparel exports, or $36.1 billion’s worth.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
5 May 2025
-
The algorithm fed the Giants pitcher a savory yet unsubstantial diet of short-form content.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
But his approach is unlikely to foster either emotion.—
KORI SCHAKE,
Foreign Affairs,
24 June 2025
-
Despite rapid advances in AI tools, experts say the technology is unlikely to transform the film and TV industry overnight due to rising production costs fueled by streaming wars.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
The film and television tax credit may seem slightly insubstantial when compared with the state of the world right now, Rhine advised in a session largely focused on messaging.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2025
-
Trump and Musk are truly onions made of glass: shiny orbs of one insubstantial layer over another, with nothing in the center, liable to be shattered under the slightest pressure.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Their batting line-up appeared particularly fragile.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
-
One or even two pink-collar jobs means a fragile hold in the middle class (at best); the best defense against downward mobility is a blue-collar job, only 17 percent of which are held by women.—
Joan C. Williams
June 13,
Literary Hub,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
No matter how far-fetched the premise or gossamer-thin the story, the musical invites (compels) us to go along with its essential surrealism, to travel to that dream space where everyday life suddenly moves and sounds deliriously out of this world.—
Manohla Dargis,
New York Times,
7 May 2020
-
For her label Anissa Aida, designer Anissa Meddeb, who lives in the capital, makes gossamer silk blouses evoking the striped motif of handwoven fouta towels and voluminous coats inspired by the burnoose cloaks worn by Berbers.—
Sarah Khan,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Feb. 2020
Adjective
-
Kerry Washington Kerry Washington looked chic in a baby pink ensemble that played to our love of textures, pairing a high-neck, lace top with a gauzy skirt embellished with pink pearls over a shiny skirt.—
Erin Jensen,
USA TODAY,
23 Feb. 2025
-
There’s a nostalgic maximalism to its designs, which are usually gauzy pastel pinks, blues, and whites; covered in ditsy prints like rosebuds, daisies, and strawberries; and detailed with flourishes like ruffles and bows.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The difference, however, was in the sheer volume of players who left on a temporary basis.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
13 June 2025
-
Nevertheless, the analysts flagged the sheer volume and tone of the content as a genuine officer safety concern.—
Dell Cameron,
Wired News,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
Birthday party etiquette can be a delicate balance.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
21 June 2025
-
If regular Jenga is like performing delicate surgery, this extra large version from a different company is like performing a dangerous game of minesweeper.—
Parker Hall,
Wired News,
21 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flimsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flimsy. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share