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 Crafted from supple suede panels with just a hint of slouch, this zip-top tote from the relatively new brand Métier is the epitome of quiet luxury. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025 All three styles are unlined and fabricated from supple calf leather, suede, or a glossy, shiny coated sheepskin leather. Alexis Bennett Parker, Vogue, 7 Jan. 2025 Beyond belts, Hanks’ Powell Bison Bifold wallet, made from soft, supple bison leather and heavy-duty thread, features eight card slots, two hidden pockets, a flip-up ID window and a spacious cash compartment—perfect for keeping everything organized. Darryn King, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025 Available in 19 vibrant shades, these matching luggage tags are constructed with a supple vegan leather material and sleek, adjustable metal hardware buckles. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 10 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for supple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supple
Adjective
  • This variety pack of bandages covers every kind of small injury—a total of 280 sheer and clear flexible adhesive bandages in five different sizes and shapes, for small wounds, burns, or even shoe chafing.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025
  • Building Flexibility Into Your Estate Plan Revocable Living Trusts as Your Foundation A revocable living trust can serve as the cornerstone of flexible estate planning.
    Patti Brennan, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Dunaway should get stretch powers, because Hollywood is cruel about women aging and Mr. Fantastic’s power can be used like Botox (see also: Elasti-Woman on Doom Patrol).
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 17 July 2025
  • Your role is to coach, give honest feedback, and help identify stretch opportunities.
    Adrian Gostick, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Japan hasn’t been as pliant as Trump seemed to expect.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Letz is a physically and emotionally pliant but also a verbose actor of great versatility, able to play a standard Second City dad and Chicag’ow type, but also a neurotic (lots of call for that in this show) and a dweeb and, well, whatever gets thrown his way.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Simon added countries need to agree on the language for a treaty, so the world can work together to finally end plastic pollution.
    Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Each loaf was sold in a 12-ounce plastic bag marked with UPC 24126018152 on the bottom of the packaging.
    Isabel van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 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
  • Caregiver-friendly cultures retain experienced talent and cultivate a more resilient workforce.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • The bag is made from durable pebbled leather with a soft faille lining for a luxurious feel that is resilient enough for daily wear.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • It’s been a while since someone figured out a way to make the electric guitar sound not only interesting but expansive, dangerous, infinite, pliable.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
  • At an indie level, merengue also proved pliable, merging with metal and industrial riffs in psychedelic epics from Gallo Lester and Mediopicky, and providing a sinewy canvas for the poetic soul-searching of Rita Indiana and Xiomara Fortuna.
    Richard Villegas, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • This new iteration has a stretchy, ultra-comfortable boxer liner, an elastic waistband, and side pockets.
    Rebecca Deurlein, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The shorts have an elastic waistband that ties at the waist with a drawstring, and the button-down top offers breathable coverage.
    Danielle Calma, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Supple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supple. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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