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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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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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
  • For someone with a flexible foot or a narrow forefoot where the toes tend to crowd each other, separating the big toe from the second toe can reduce rubbing and irritation.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, flexible polymers and skin-care-grade ingredients (like panthenol and glycerin) work together to hold styles, while still keeping hair hydrated and glossy.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of flexible
Adjective
  • The driveway, lined with perennial beds, has a graceful curve on its way to a large circle that allows guests to park near the walkway to the front porch.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 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 graceful
Adjective
  • Several other curved, slender bones were soon found nearby, according to pictures shared with the station.
    — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • One, which was a slender ribbon of saplings and grass, led to the grainfield where Kontras had been waiting.
    — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 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
  • Elordi himself opted to wear Bottega Veneta, sporting a navy, softly pinstriped double-breasted suit with sharp lapels and coordinating tailored pants, a white shirt, and navy skinny tie.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Love is blind, love is on the spectrum, love is… suddenly skinny?
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of skinny
Adjective
  • The trouble is that these connections significantly change over time—they’re plastic.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Vendors weave through the packed crowd hawking cans of beer, hard seltzer and jalapeño-tequila and cherry vodka Jell-O shots, served in plastic syringes.
    — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of plastic
Adjective
  • With a steely disposition, Dikha is seen in the videos standing at the very front of a thin boat, executing a repetitive series of dance moves as a line of rowers propel them through a river.
    — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The mountain of seafood comes with a little sidecar of very thin, very crispy potato chips, seemingly for the hell of it, and a bottle of tart, fiery homemade hot sauce.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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