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 Skip the flimsy plastic pail or random reusable bag this year and grab something built to last. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 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 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

Friedman began her remarks by reminding the audience of von Furstenberg’s unlikely beginning, born in Brussels to a Holocaust survivor.

— Ariel Bielsky, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
Dahlia Scheindlin, a veteran pollster who works for left-of-center candidates and parties in Israel, speculated that the number of returning overseas voters was unlikely to be big enough to change the outcome of the election.

— Daniel Brook, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of unlikely

Adjective

On his latest, Young’s major-key meditations on love and alienation are as winsome as a bay breeze, if occasionally as insubstantial.

— Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of insubstantial

Adjective

Where Thomas is aloof and proud, Erika is prickly and sardonic, excellent tools for protecting a surprisingly fragile heart.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
My childhood school in Denmark hadn’t been turned to rubble but into an emotional battlefield, a psychological groundhog’s day of explosive arguments, violent brawls—and brief, fragile truces that always shattered when the home bell rung.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of fragile

Adjective

Oakley’s spin isn’t one of those gossamer period love stories about repressed emotions — those are there, yes, but the Dashwoods are actively pressing against their station at all times.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
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

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

The tracks, the engineers, the data, the media attention, the sheer amount of racing—the Formula 1 World Championship consists of twenty-plus races, on five continents, in nine months.

— Sam Knight, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
The silhouette was mostly formfitting and streamlined, with emphasis at the hips and waist and a continuation of the contrasting sheer, black fabric running down the column skirt.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

Instead of relying on a gritty scrub (which can be harsh on delicate lip skin), Obagi’s Lip Therapy AHA+PHA Smoothing Micro-Peel uses three exfoliating acids—glycolic, lactic, and gluconolactone—to gently loosen buildup and smooth rough texture.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026
In Shanghai, a look that defines the cultural moment is quickly emerging, with delicate fabrics and softer silhouettes channeling Chloé’s 1970s bohemian chic taking the lead.

— Denni Hu, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of delicate

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 26 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of flimsy

adjective

Example Sentences

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