Synonyms of resilient

resilient

adjective

ri-ˈzil-yənt 

as in flexible

able to revert to original size and shape after being stretched, squeezed, or twisted

after being dipped in liquid nitrogen, the rubber ball's normally resilient surface is as brittle as ceramic

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flexible
• stretch
• plastic
• elastic
• rubbery
• stretchable
• rubberlike
• stretchy
• supple
• springy
• adaptable
• bouncy
• pliant
• whippy
• pliable
• malleable
• ductile
• moldable
• limber
• willowy
• kneadable
• lithe
• lissome
• lithesome

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rigid
• stiff
• inflexible
• inelastic
• solid
• hard
• compact
• unyielding
• firm
• nonelastic
• short
• brittle
• friable
• crisp
• flaky
• crumbly

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective resilient contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of resilient are elastic, flexible, springy, and supple. While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

When could elastic be used to replace resilient?

The words elastic and resilient can be used in similar contexts, but elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

When is it sensible to use flexible instead of resilient?

While in some cases nearly identical to resilient, flexible applies to something which may or may not be resilient or elastic but which can be bent or folded without breaking.

flexible plastic tubing

When can springy be used instead of resilient?

The words springy and resilient are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, springy stresses both the ease with which something yields to pressure and the quickness of its return to original shape.

the cake is done when the top is springy

When would supple be a good substitute for resilient?

While the synonyms supple and resilient are close in meaning, supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.

supple leather

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of resilient

Being resilient means being willing to put in the effort to keep trying, even when faced with failure at first. —Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 17 Feb. 2026

The former four-star recruit dealt with ankle injuries early in his collegiate career, but he’s proven resilient. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

Fortunately, the beneficial microbes that live within our bodies are quite resilient. —Adam Cohen, Oklahoman, 17 Feb. 2026

But even those resilient snails are now declining as drought intensifies. —Sofia Baltodano, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026