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 Soft data has already fared poorly in recent months, while hard data has been relatively more resilient due to front-running of products by consumers. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2025 The rise of advanced manufacturing opens the door for a more resilient U.S. workforce built on technical skills, career mobility, and long-term economic growth. Cam Myers, Sourcing Journal, 28 Apr. 2025 But this is far from the end of your journey to becoming a stronger, more resilient runner. Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 25 Apr. 2025 The company provided $5.6 million to organizations and programs dedicated to creating and maintaining safe, stable and resilient neighborhoods, including the Travelers Fortifies Communities program, through which 95 homes were built or rebuilt to FORTIFIED™ standards last year. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resilient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resilient
Adjective
  • The device uses microneedles and flexible wiring to capture neural signals just beneath the skin, enhancing signal quality while minimizing invasiveness.
    Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Want a new career that’s higher-paying, more flexible or fulfilling?
    Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Each yoga pose, stretch, or walk to the laundry room will get her even further toward her fitness goals.
    Brie Schwartz, Glamour, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Mark Ix, Advance Denim’s director of North American marketing, said Infinity enables a new level of stretch performance with exceptional yields and comfort.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Using tweezers, remove the stickers from the plastic backing of the seeds or beads.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 2025
  • And a third category were boxes outfitted with plastic plants, perhaps signaling absentee owners or landlords who seek to simulate care.
    Sonja Dümpelmann, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on resilient

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