FLEXIBLE Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'flexible' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of flexible are elastic , resilient , springy , and supple . While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," 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

Q: Where would 'elastic' be a reasonable alternative to 'flexible'?

While in some cases nearly identical to flexible , elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching. // an elastic waistband

Q: When would 'resilient' be a good substitute for 'flexible'?

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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'springy' instead of 'flexible'?

The words springy and flexible 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

Q: When could 'supple' be used to replace 'flexible'?

The words supple and flexible can be used in similar contexts, but supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury. // supple leather

flexible

adjective

ˈflek-sə-bəl

Definition of flexible next

as in adjustable

capable of being readily changed fortunately, that working mother has a very flexible schedule for her office job

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relaxed

not bound by rigid standards parents with a flexible attitude when it comes to the children's bedtime

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as in plastic

able to bend easily without breaking the tent was held up by crisscrossing flexible rods threaded through the top

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as in stretch

able to revert to original size and shape after being stretched, squeezed, or twisted used a flexible plastic for the toy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective flexible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of flexible are elastic, resilient, springy, and supple. While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," 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 elastic be a reasonable alternative to flexible?

While in some cases nearly identical to flexible, elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

When would resilient be a good substitute for flexible?

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

a resilient innersole

When is it sensible to use springy instead of flexible?

The words springy and flexible 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 could supple be used to replace flexible?

The words supple and flexible can be used in similar contexts, but supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.

supple leather

Examples 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 flexible Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket $239 at REI This Patagonia jacket’s featherlight, flexible material is game for nearly any activity from hiking to skiing. —

Talia Ergas, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024 Rafael Martin/Europa Press/Abaca/Sipa USA/AP Their team mixed lavender oil into a warm solution of fibroin, a flexible protein made by silkworms, and gum arabic, a substance from acacia trees that helps stabilize materials. —

Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024 Two centuries later, Lagrange’s approach provided Feynman with a more flexible framework that could accommodate the radical randomness of quantum mechanics. —

Charlie Wood, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024 For example, some owners are asking about the implications of rent abatement periods or tenant improvement allowances — areas where, in stronger markets, the negotiation wasn’t as flexible. —

Allen Buchanan, Orange County Register, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flexible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flexible

Adjective

Sky noted that the prince seemed more relaxed than usual at his Earthshot Prize.

Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
Many platforms have implemented more relaxed content moderation rules or made cuts to their safety units.

Sam Sabin, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024