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 Consumers remain resilient, and companies frontloaded inventory before tariffs, Turnquist said. Medora Lee, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025 New York is the most dynamic, diverse, resilient city on the planet. John Foley, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025 These thin, soft yet resilient strands made from rice flour set every bowl apart. Bao Ong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025 The resilient nature of the olive branch adds even more significance to the collection, spotlighting the woman who inspired the pieces. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resilient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resilient
Adjective
  • The vacuum's flexible neck made cleaning under chairs, the couch, and around tight corners simple.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Mini muffins and cupcakes are a classic, and this flexible silicone pan makes a convenient option for batch baking.
    Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Made out of non-stretch organic cotton, the jeans are finished with gold contrast stitching and equipped with a classic five-pocket design that’s not only visually appealing but also practical (providing ample space for storing your lip gloss tubes and phone).
    Kristina Rutkowski, Footwear News, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Two years ago, the Foundation set a stretch goal to raise half of its revenue inside India through CSR; the team reached it in two years.
    Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Women dangle live chickens from their hands, and carry spices piled high in plastic buckets on their heads.
    Sarah Dean, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The work points toward more energy-efficient methods for plastic upcycling, reducing pollution while creating sustainable fuels.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resilient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resilient. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resilient

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