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
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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
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Recent Examples of flimsy
Barca’s finances are so flimsy that buying players is complicated for them.
—
Phil Hay, New York Times, 17 June 2025
From the flimsy healthcare system, infertility, low wages, relationships and euthanasia.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 14 June 2025
Eager to serve his premise regarding Dylan’s Jewishness, Freedman sometimes turns it into a flimsy fallback device.
—Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
Boasberg’s new 69-page ruling said the men had been denied that right and were deported based on allegedly flimsy or nonexistent gang ties, in the eyes of the judge.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for flimsy
Phil Hay, New York Times, 17 June 2025
From the flimsy healthcare system, infertility, low wages, relationships and euthanasia.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 14 June 2025
Eager to serve his premise regarding Dylan’s Jewishness, Freedman sometimes turns it into a flimsy fallback device.
—Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
Boasberg’s new 69-page ruling said the men had been denied that right and were deported based on allegedly flimsy or nonexistent gang ties, in the eyes of the judge.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for flimsy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flimsy
Adjective
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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
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The algorithm fed the Giants pitcher a savory yet unsubstantial diet of short-form content.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Households below those thresholds may qualify for the full tax benefit, but are unlikely to buy an expensive enough car to do so, economists said.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
24 June 2025
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De-Lin, a fellow with Physicians for Reproductive Health, saw some patients who, at 20 weeks of pregnancy, learned that their fetuses had severe anomalies and were unlikely to survive.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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In the span of a week, the U.S. shifted from the brink of global conflict to a fragile ceasefire.—
Sharyl Attkisson,
Baltimore Sun,
27 June 2025
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This admission comes amid escalating tensions and a fragile ceasefire following deadly clashes between Iran and Israel.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Felipe Cardenas: Due to sheer numbers and commitment, Boca’s ultras and travelling band of die-hard fans lit up the tournament.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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Her Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress was a mermaid-style lace gown with sheer long sleeves and a high neckline.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon , Emily Trainham , Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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Birthday party etiquette can be a delicate balance.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
21 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flimsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flimsy. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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