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 Camp Aramoni Tonica, Illinois Near Starved Rock State Park, this boutique campground includes 11 safari-style tents outfitted with comfortable furnishings and real doors (no flimsy flaps). — Tree Meinch, Midwest Living, 11 July 2026 Some had Trumpian golden eagles atop the roofs, and a flimsy triumphal arch stood at the center beside the Ferris wheel. — Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026 Unlike modern sports trading cards, which are not only hefty but often bedazzled with autographs, jersey patches, and random holograms, the Panini stickers are flimsy and meant to be abused. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 30 June 2026 The start-stop button is also oddly positioned and has a flimsy touch functionality. — James Raia, Mercury News, 28 June 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

Luther said that is unlikely to happen because the governor and lawmakers are campaigning for the November election.

— Jack Fink, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Although the third-place play-off counts towards fantasy points, that game is unlikely to be taken too seriously by either side and rotation could be an issue.

— Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of unlikely

Adjective

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
The wall was as insubstantial as a set on a film studio’s back lot.

— Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026

Definition of insubstantial

Adjective

That summer, land next to the Okefenokee Swamp that was slated for a titanium mine was purchased by The Conservation Fund, spelling an end to a project some had feared could irreparably damage the fragile ecosystem.

— Drew Kann, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
Given an increasingly fragile fiscal backdrop, more may follow.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 19 July 2026

Definition of fragile

Adjective

But a gossamer jacket tossed over a swimsuit on a breezy evening?

— Jennifer Noyes, Air Mail, 25 Apr. 2026
The type of memory flashbacks that are shot at knee level, gauzy and out of focus, with a gossamer visual touch to conjure whispering, buried emotions of the past.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026

Definition of gossamer

Adjective

The late-morning sun peeked through a gauzy veil of fog, bright laughter echoing over the giddy whisper of tulle as the brides posed for pictures outside the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Stylistically, these books are often surreal and oneiric, with the gauzy texture of childhood reverie.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

Definition of gauzy

Adjective

The aspiring model was blooming in florals in the sculptural look, which featured a strapless bubble top paired with a sheer floor-length skirt, both of which were embroidered with purple and blue floral designs.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 18 July 2026
Yet, in the last two years, this sentiment of sheer doom has slowly and steadily begun to give way to a tentative yet very much present hope.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 18 July 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

For jewelry, a delicate gold watch, earrings, plus her Jessica McCormack engagement ring and wedding band.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 17 July 2026
Trump has made several announcements throughout the Iran war about the state of the crucial oil-shipping strait and the delicate ceasefire agreement on Truth Social that have affected financial markets and moved the price of oil.

— Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of flimsy

adjective

Example Sentences

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