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 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 In England, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the star as Leeds overran a flimsy Newcastle side. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026 The Winny sneakers have also proved easy to wipe clean, pleasantly lightweight, and flexible enough to move with me without feeling flimsy. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 12 Sep. 2026 As fishermen wrestled their catches out of flimsy fiberglass boats near a makeshift shoreside market recently, several stopped to talk with CNN, complaining that the war is ruining business. — Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 10 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

Some have academic credentials that would make admission through Harvard’s front door highly unlikely.

— Jayson Weingarten, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Fazio was one of only four senators to oppose the bill that passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, saying the state should defer to federal action that seems unlikely, given the opposition of the president.

— Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 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

The gossamer thread holding the sacred feminine maelstrom together?

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
As with anything related to Meghan and Harry, even the most gossamer threads of gossip quickly ignited, and news of Meghan’s mysterious new role spread across multiple continents.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of gossamer

Adjective

Beginning on her left side, the skirt boasted a waist-high, diagonal leg slit with a gauzy underlayer that showcased her peep-toe heels.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 18 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

The large number of undecided voters this close to the election points to voters being overwhelmed by the sheer number of statewide ballot measures, DiCamillo said.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
But the sheer volume of planning in Miami has also raised questions about power and the role Cubans on the island will play in a transition.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

No detail is unaccounted for and no expense is spared, which is The Ritz-Carlton way — evident in touches like the robe’s delicate trim on the pockets and cuffs, fleece lining, embroidery at the chest, and belt made out of the same materials.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
Ilinčić’s show borrowed the delicate ropes of octogenarian textile artist Françoise Grossen weaving them into dresses, skirts, bags and belts.

— Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of delicate

Browse Nearby Words

flimsiness

flimsy

flinch

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Style

“Flimsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flimsy. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of flimsy

adjective

Example Sentences

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