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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flimsy
Unlike the flimsy rubber flip-flops most of us grew up wearing, Archies are designed with real arch support and a supportive footbed that feels noticeably more comfortable after hours of walking.
—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
16 June 2026
Those flimsy tomato cages definitely don't hold up.
—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
14 June 2026
The metal of the one supplied with the oven is flimsy, and the plastic handle isn’t pleasant to, well, handle.
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Jess Weatherbed,
The Verge,
12 June 2026
While there was always a possibility the commission would side with Burnley, the ‘loss of chance’ argument always seemed slightly flimsy.
—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for flimsy
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
16 June 2026
Those flimsy tomato cages definitely don't hold up.
—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
14 June 2026
The metal of the one supplied with the oven is flimsy, and the plastic handle isn’t pleasant to, well, handle.
—
Jess Weatherbed,
The Verge,
12 June 2026
While there was always a possibility the commission would side with Burnley, the ‘loss of chance’ argument always seemed slightly flimsy.
—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for flimsy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flimsy
Adjective
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Roadmaps are frequently high-level and unsubstantial.
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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.
Adjective
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After Mexico suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat to Sweden, their hopes of advancing hinged on South Korea’s team pulling off an unlikely victory over Germany.
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Joining Merlin the duck in the pantheon of heart-stealers is Osito, an 8-year-old rescue poodle mix who's become an unlikely sensation after arriving at Mexico’s opening match perched on the back of a cargo bicycle, dressed in a Mexico jersey, sunglasses and a cap.
Adjective
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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.
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The wall was as insubstantial as a set on a film studio’s back lot.
Adjective
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The system has long been mired in controversy, including exam paper leaks and technical failures, placing a crushing burden on students, and financial strain on families investing everything in their children for a promise that can often appear fragile.
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However, price bulls highlight a fragile US-Iran ceasefire and past IEA surplus forecasts that failed to depress prices.
Adjective
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But a gossamer jacket tossed over a swimsuit on a breezy evening?
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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.
Adjective
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Stylistically, these books are often surreal and oneiric, with the gauzy texture of childhood reverie.
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The light, gauzy fabric is airy enough to double as a swimsuit cover-up.
Adjective
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The Emmys’ producers passing up on even the slightest possibility of a Werner Herzog acceptance speech is sheer lunacy.
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For a few weeks, concerns about skyrocketing housing costs and gentrification, brought on by the city’s increasing popularity as a place to settle down, are taking a back seat to the sheer fun of international soccer.
Adjective
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To accessorize her look, Chopra Jonas opted for delicate jewelry pieces that augmented the vibrant color scheme of her attire.
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Crappies, walleyes, and panfish are usually fried, and that’s partially because their thinner, more delicate fillets benefit from a batter coating holding them together during the cooking process.
Cite this Entry
“Flimsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flimsy. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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