Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective supple contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of supple are elastic, flexible, resilient, and springy. While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.

supple leather

When is elastic a more appropriate choice than supple?

The words elastic and supple are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

When is it sensible to use flexible instead of supple?

While the synonyms flexible and supple are close in meaning, 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

Where would resilient be a reasonable alternative to supple?

While in some cases nearly identical to supple, resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

When can springy be used instead of supple?

The meanings of springy and supple largely overlap; however, 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

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 supple The collection also introduces standout accessories, including the Tiger Tote, crafted from canvas that fuses graffiti and floral prints, and the Karate Bag, distinguished by its supple leather construction that folds gracefully into a sculptural form. Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025 Anti-roll hydraulics and a lower stance mean body control is iron-fisted, yet still supple enough to shrug off mid-corner bumps. Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2025 Made from supple faux leather, the incredibly affordable luggage tag comes with a subtle privacy shield to cover your personal information. Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025 Yes, skincare and haircare, which means your favorite players will be lacing up with supple skin and a moisturized scalp. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for supple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supple
Adjective
  • The sneakers are designed with a lightweight EVA midsole for flexible support and a rubber outsole that boosts durability.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • If your schedule is flexible, look at departures on weekdays, especially early and mid-week.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Horford brings a stretch presence that can knock down open shots and score to help navigate the non-Curry minutes more comfortably.
    Jannelle Moore, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The non-stretch jean has a dry indigo wash and features curved legs with an extra seam for structure and oversized back pockets.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Raskob took his own leap into the political fray by bankrolling Smith and using the DNC to settle scores—with the help of a pliant press.
    Evan Hughes, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2025
  • As Perez wrote, Musk’s free-speech absolutism was a fiction perpetuated by a pliant media.
    Jacob Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • SACs produced from plastic waste showed excellent performance in breaking down diverse micropollutants in water and in boosting clean-energy technologies such as batteries and fuel cells.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The plastic container with seasoning was broken and soiled.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2025
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
Adjective
  • The key to raising emotionally resilient kids is the ability to repair.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The hydrodynamic prototype is made to withstand tropical storms, demonstrates how OTEC could deliver resilient and reliable energy to storm-prone regions.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Beaton used his patient, pliable and easygoing sisters, Nancy and Barbara as his early muses.
    Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The original 20-point peace plan called for all living and dead hostages to be turned over within 72 hours, but the timeline for the dead hostages’ release quickly became more pliable as Hamas outlined the difficulty in recovering them.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The high-waist fit is supportive, and the elastic waistband stretches to move with you.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
  • These pull-on style pants also have a faux fly, an elastic waistband, and four functional pockets.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Supple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supple. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on supple

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!