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lithe

adjective

ˈlīt͟h How to pronounce lithe (audio)
Definition of lithenext
1
as in flexible
able to bend easily without breaking the lithe blade of a fencing foil

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in graceful
moving easily lithe dancers glided across the stage

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in slender
having a noticeably small amount of body fat she has the lithe, sinewy body of a distance runner

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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 lithe The herd’s lithe necks drifted above the bush in one ethereal mass, moving like a corps de ballet against a pale blue sky. — Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026 And while the curb weight is a good deal more than a Miata or BRZ, compared to the usual diet of crossovers and EVs, the Prelude feels remarkably lithe and nimble. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 10 June 2026 Gershon’s Corky, lithe and tattooed, ended up being the stuff of butch lesbian dreams — which apparently held true offscreen as much as on. — Caroline Framke, Vulture, 8 June 2026 The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club is clean, lithe, and snappy. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lithe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lithe
  1. flexible
  2. graceful
  3. slender
  4. willowy
  5. skinny
  6. plastic
  7. thin
  8. limber
Adjective
  • Researchers fabricated the devices on 4-inch wafers as well as flexible substrates, potentially making the architecture suitable for electronics that need to conform to non-flat surfaces.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The building was collaboratively designed by architecture firms SmithGroup and G&A, and creates more flexible spaces for exhibitions, research, and public interaction.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of flexible
Adjective
  • As yet, these machines are not graceful, elegant or aesthetically pleasing.
    — Shane O’Neill, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Its graceful design is meant to celebrate the intricate beauty of the natural world.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of graceful
Adjective
  • Thin pink straps crossed her toes, while bright feathers sprouted from the backs above slender heels.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Naish looks at that long curved snout and sees an ibis, one of the wading birds with a slender downcurved bill.
    — Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of slender
Adjective
  • However, the primary reason for these willowy airfoils is entirely practical.
    — David Szondy August 04, New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Cosmos Cosmos help create an ethereal-looking garden, thanks to their long, willowy stems and bright, fluffy blooms that come in dozens of vibrant colors, from rich chocolate cosmos to delicate ‘Apricotta’ tones.
    — Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 8 July 2026
Definition of willowy
Adjective
  • Aaron Esh updated the men’s skinny jean with black leather panels.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Then Leigh noticed a skinny guy clad in a ratty Daniel Johnston T-shirt, his hair a feral mess.
    — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of skinny
Adjective
  • There are plastic boxes overflowing with personal protective equipment, televisions cued to videos and architectural renderings, and a mini fridge full of refreshments.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Detergent sheets for laundry typically come in slim cardboard boxes rather than plastic jugs, which helps households cut down on plastic waste.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of plastic
Adjective
  • To achieve the best results, spread a thin layer across the soil’s surface, leaving space around the stems.
    — Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2026
  • In its 2026 testing, conventional thin detergent sheets performed worse overall than even the lowest-scoring liquid and pod detergents.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of thin
Adjective
  • Two ultra-limber actors — Hassiem Muhammad and Ryan Sellers — in garish body makeup (and dance shoes) merge limbs and psyches for an electric demonstration of poetry in motion.
    — Peter Marks, Washington Post, 26 Jan. 2023
  • For thousands of years, people have turned to yoga to feel more limber, release stress and rejuvenate their overall physical and mental health.
    — Forrest Brown, CNN, 21 June 2022
Definition of limber

Browse Nearby Words

literati
lithe
litheness
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Cite this Entry

“Lithe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lithe. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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