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 That can lead to structural problems, from drawer fronts pulling off to flimsy drawer bottoms sagging or falling out under the weight of their contents. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 14 Aug. 2026 Catios that only cost a few hundred dollars are generally flimsy and won't last long or truly protect against predators. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 An unassuming woman waltzed through their offices and allegedly robbed the institution of $15 million, armed not with a weapon, but flimsy paperwork and a basket of pies. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026 Blanche will face tough decisions over whether to press forward with charging notable enemies of the president, with previous sets of charges often facing criticism from legal experts for being based on flimsy legal arguments. — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 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

That’s unlikely to change now, especially as China sees how unpopular the ongoing conflict has been within the US and abroad, and as Chinese leader Xi Jinping is set to visit the United States next month.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
However, working part-time is unlikely to improve your eligibility for federal student loans.

— Amy DeYoung, USA Today, 24 Aug. 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

Fiber-optic cables—the same technology that carries much of today’s internet traffic—can transmit fragile quantum information over long distances.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026
The country is mired in a war with Iran with no graceful exit opportunities; a new round of tariffs threatens to further disrupt fragile global trade relations; and the domestic economy faces inflation combined with paltry growth.

— Zachary Karabell, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 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

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
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

Definition of gauzy

Adjective

There was sheer joy — Warren Barton once instructed Keegan to perform press-ups on the touchline during a game at St James’ for calling a throw-in the wrong way.

— Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Just across the street from the bus stop … lurks a deep drainage pool at the bottom of a sheer 12-foot drop from the street.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

Marcus called the procedure an important first step toward reducing risks during delicate brain operations.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Elordi’s soft-spoken performance, paired with his delicate and awkward features, provides a nice contrast with Brolin’s tree-stump obduracy.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of delicate

Browse Nearby Words

flimsiness

flimsy

flinch

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

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Synonyms of flimsy

adjective

Example Sentences

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