FLIMSY Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

flimsy

adjective

ˈflim-zē

Definition of flimsy

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

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 The length of time for this flimsy assignment, even if primarily conducted in class, gives students ample opportunity to use AI between classes. — Neetu Arnold, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026 Hardened cockpit Flight deck doors pre-9/11 were often just as flimsy as the lavatory doors. — Jeff Price, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026 The downside is its flimsy construction; the bottom section lacks the rigidity to hold its shape and gives way like a cheap folder. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 27 Sep. 2026 The flames of perdition, fueled by guilt, estrangement, and repression, lap at society’s sham institutions and flimsy fronts of civility. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flimsy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flimsy

Adjective

Roadmaps are frequently high-level and unsubstantial.

— Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
This can alter the amount and types of ACE-inhibiting peptides created during fermentation2—and possibly account for kombucha's unsubstantial effect on blood pressure.

— MD Published, Verywell Health, 27 Dec. 2025

Definition of unsubstantial

Adjective

Rain rates are probably going to be a quarter of an inch per hour or less, making debris flow and landslides unlikely.

— Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
The Times’ belated discovery of Bragg’s malpractice emerged through an unlikely incident that has not been reported in full.

— Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of unlikely

Adjective

Tying all this to a generic RPG progression system full of constant but insubstantial upgrades and resources feels more like busywork than anything else.

— Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026
But too few of those ideas yield satisfying conclusions, resulting in a drama that becomes treacly and insubstantial, reaching for a profundity that remains elusive.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026

Definition of insubstantial

Adjective

Despite the encouraging news, scientists stress that caution remains essential as the island’s fragile ecosystem faces serious environmental threats.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Saturday marks a year since a fragile ceasefire took effect, while Israeli strikes continue.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of fragile

Adjective

These days we are surrounded by ghosts and gossamer visions vying for our attention, trying to tell us something vital—or as mundane as to shut up already, like in my case.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
The gossamer thread holding the sacred feminine maelstrom together?

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of gossamer

Adjective

Leaning into the lingerie aesthetic, Lisa’s dress showed off her red underwear with a gauzy bodycon skirt, which featured a ruched design at her hips and garter-like strings.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 27 Sep. 2026
Most of the time, senators exercising this role must rely on gauzy assurances and strained analogies to the candidate’s performance in previous positions.

— Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of gauzy

Browse Nearby Words

flimsiness

flimsy

flinch

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Flimsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flimsy. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of flimsy

adjective

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