flexible

adjective

flex·​i·​ble ˈflek-sə-bəl How to pronounce flexible (audio)
1
: capable of being flexed : pliant
flexible branches swaying in the breeze
2
: yielding to influence : tractable
a flexible person without strong convictions
3
: characterized by a ready capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements
a flexible foreign policy
a flexible schedule
flexibility noun
flexibly adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for flexible

elastic, resilient, springy, flexible, supple mean able to endure strain without being permanently injured.

elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

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

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

supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.

supple leather

Examples of flexible in a Sentence

flexible branches swaying in the breeze a material that is both strong and flexible She's been doing exercises to become stronger and more flexible. Our schedule for the weekend is very flexible. This computer program has to be flexible to meet all our needs. Whatever you want to do is fine with me. I'm flexible.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Building codes should be updated now to be flexible enough to apply to a range of existing and emerging products. Lara Williams, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024 Borrowers enjoy flexible funding capabilities, which is in stark contrast to banks that are typically slow moving, highly regulated and marked by a cumbersome credit box and processes. Christian Faes, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Adaptive performance monitoring, with flexible KPIs that can evolve with changing circumstances, is crucial in navigating the nonlinear aspects of the BANI environment. Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024 The trial comes alongside a new flexible work bill, giving employees the right to demand a four-day week from their company. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flexible 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin flexibilis, from flexus (past participle of flectere "to cause to go in a different direction, bend, curve," of uncertain origin) + -ibilis -ible

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flexible was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near flexible

Cite this Entry

“Flexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flexible. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

flexible

adjective
flex·​i·​ble ˈflek-sə-bəl How to pronounce flexible (audio)
1
: capable of being bent : pliant
2
: readily changed or changing : adaptable
a flexible schedule
flexibility noun
flexibly adverb

Medical Definition

flexible

adjective
flex·​i·​ble ˈflek-sə-bəl How to pronounce flexible (audio)
: capable of being flexed : capable of being turned, bowed, or twisted without breaking
flexible bandages
a flexible fiber-optic bronchoscope
flexibility noun
plural flexibilities

More from Merriam-Webster on flexible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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