Synonyms of elastic

elastic

adjective

i-ˈla-stik 

1

as in flexible

able to revert to original size and shape after being stretched, squeezed, or twisted

elastic rubber bands

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flexible
• stretch
• plastic
• stretchy
• resilient
• stretchable
• rubbery
• rubberlike
• supple
• springy
• bouncy
• whippy
• ductile
• adaptable
• pliable
• pliant
• malleable
• moldable
• limber
• kneadable
• willowy
• lissom
• lithe
• lissome
• lithesome

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inelastic
• rigid
• stiff
• inflexible
• solid
• nonelastic
• compact
• hard
• firm
• unyielding
• short
• brittle
• friable
• flaky
• crisp
• crumbly
• flakey

2

as in adjustable

capable of being readily changed

when vacationing, we generally have very elastic daily sightseeing plans

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adjustable
• flexible
• adaptable
• changing
• pliable
• alterable
• variable
• malleable
• varying
• changeable
• modifiable
• fluid
• versatile
• unstable
• labile
• fluctuating
• unsteady
• inconstant

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inelastic
• fixed
• invariable
• immutable
• inflexible
• unchangeable
• unalterable
• established
• uniform
• constant
• set
• stable
• steady
• unadaptable
• ramrod
• nonmalleable
• unchanging
• unbudgeable
• unvarying

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective elastic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of elastic are flexible, resilient, springy, and supple. While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

When could flexible be used to replace elastic?

The meanings of flexible and elastic largely overlap; however, 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 might resilient be a better fit than elastic?

Although the words resilient and elastic have much in common, resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

In what contexts can springy take the place of elastic?

The words springy and elastic can be used in similar contexts, but 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 can supple be used instead of elastic?

The words supple and elastic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.

supple leather

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of elastic

This simple silhouette is made from 100 percent leather and has an elastic trim for an almost custom level of comfort. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 9 Feb. 2025

The clubs are spring-like structures that store energy in elastic form and are held in place by latch-like tendons. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

The dactyl clubs store energy in elastic, spring-like structures held in place by latch-like tendons. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Feb. 2025

According to the authors of a paper published in the journal Physical Review E, the use of soft elastic projectiles can improve the efficiency of throws, particularly those whose tips are weighted with a mass like a spearhead. —Ars Technica, 31 Jan. 2025