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
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
Since people will stand here for a moment or two before entering, the décor makes a big difference, and cheap plastics, artificial greenery, and flimsy hardware immediately stand out.
—Natasha Bazika, Martha Stewart, 5 June 2026
Since the ruling, several GOP governors, including Georgia’s Brian Kemp, have called special legislative sessions to draw maps that dilute Black voting power while following the Court’s direction to hide behind the flimsy cover of partisanship.
—Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for flimsy
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
Since people will stand here for a moment or two before entering, the décor makes a big difference, and cheap plastics, artificial greenery, and flimsy hardware immediately stand out.
—Natasha Bazika, Martha Stewart, 5 June 2026
Since the ruling, several GOP governors, including Georgia’s Brian Kemp, have called special legislative sessions to draw maps that dilute Black voting power while following the Court’s direction to hide behind the flimsy cover of partisanship.
—Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for flimsy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flimsy
Adjective
-
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
-
Then again … This really does sum up Reeves’s unsubstantial performance as Jonathan Harker, whose new client is definitely up to no good.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
18 Oct. 2025
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.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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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.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 June 2026
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
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The wall was as insubstantial as a set on a film studio’s back lot.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
When students learn new information, the memory is fragile and the brain needs a pause from additional cognitive demands, according to the pediatric association.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
-
The fierce woman who always wore black, who could light up a room with her sly jokes and smoky laughter, grew quieter and more fragile after losing her lover.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 June 2026
Adjective
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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
Adjective
-
Stylistically, these books are often surreal and oneiric, with the gauzy texture of childhood reverie.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
-
The light, gauzy fabric is airy enough to double as a swimsuit cover-up.—
Natalie LaBarbera,
PEOPLE,
21 May 2026
Adjective
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Earlier this year, Lisa attended the 2026 Golden Globe Awards in a sheer Jacquemus look, and in January, Kith named her guest designer for its spring 2026 collection.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
13 June 2026
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Elizabeth Hurley looked incredible in a black string bikini and sheer pants on Instagram.—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
13 June 2026
Adjective
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This is a delicate and dicey subject to even bring up, since the industry right now is in the grip of multiple perceptions and anxieties about what AI portends for the future of entertainment.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
18 June 2026
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But as the djinn becomes embodied, the delicate balance between the real and the supernatural starts to falter.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flimsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flimsy. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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