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

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 resilient And the general admission folks saw a slice of the most resilient fans in Charlotte: There was representation of the LaMelo Ball generation and the Kemba Walker generation and the Muggsy Bogues generation. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025 For its part, Iran’s regime proved resilient, even at the toughest hour of its history. Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025 And with the rise of artificial intelligence and rapid tech disruption, organizations need agile, resilient employees more than ever. Sandra Sjoberg, The Conversation, 25 June 2025 The labor market seems resilient, inflation has relented, and some (but not all) measures of consumer sentiment appear on the rise. Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for resilient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resilient
Adjective
  • The real winners are those who combine strategy with smart systems, focus on value, and stay flexible as technology and markets change and evolve.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Helping ease the housing shortage by increasing the supply of small, relatively affordable homes within established neighborhoods, ADUs help slow the rise in housing prices and provide flexible living arrangements for changing family needs.
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • The mill meets the demand for stretch fabrics with a rigid appearance with Fit Cross.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 May 2025
  • All season long, New York has struggled to contain stretch bigs.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Three days later, the girls’ bodies were discovered with plastic bags over their heads and their hands bound at Rock Island Campground, police said.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
  • The Chelan County Sheriff's Office reported a deputy found the girls lifeless with plastic bags over their heads and evidence that their hands had been zip-tied.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resilient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resilient. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resilient

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