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

Relevance

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 None of us should get too attached to our flimsy little Y chromosome. — Mike McRae 20, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026 From flimsy designer knock-offs to trendy items that don’t fit your lifestyle, choosing the wrong furniture can lead to years of regret. — Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 17 Sep. 2026 There are tender moments between Loren Gray’s Cream Team leader Jess and her younger sister Bailey (Bailey Stender), part of Team Tassie, but mostly this additional crew just clutters up the flimsy scenario with too many characters. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026 In previous seasons, the organization would sometimes push difficult, important conversations like these down the road for a variety of flimsy reasons, according to multiple people on last year’s staff. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 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

The political situation in the United States may have made the prospect of an American pope seem even more unlikely.

— Scott Detrow, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026
The Justice Department argued the outlets are unlikely to succeed on their claims and urged Kelly to deny their request for a preliminary injunction.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 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

Projections suggest that if the epidemic continues at its current pace, 25,000 people in Fiji will be living with HIV by 2029, figures that Soqo says would push Fiji's fragile health system to the brink of collapse.

— David Cox, NPR, 26 Sep. 2026
Dry cleaners have access to solvents and techniques that can safely remove wax and stains without damaging fragile fibers.

— Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 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

Adjective

Known as the Shark Bay UNESCO World Heritage Site, the place gets its name from English buccaneer-cum-naturalist William Dampier, who was overcome by the bay’s sheer abundance and the size of the marine predators during a visit in 1699.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Through the sheer force of his will and his brilliant comedic timing, Bratton was elevated to a cast member by the second season.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

Another standout design element came through gilded metallic chains on several sandals, which created a sense of delicate and dynamic glamour.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
That’s a delicate way of saying that the neighborhood, for all its density and height, is still a little underpopulated.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of delicate

Browse Nearby Words

flimsiness

flimsy

flinch

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Cite this Entry

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“Flimsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flimsy. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of flimsy

adjective

Example Sentences

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