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
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.
Virtual assistance work Virtual assistance is a flexible side hustle that involves providing services like email management, social media support, bookkeeping, and scheduling for busy professionals and businesses. Melissa Houston, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 Dogsled organizers and participants will need to continue to be flexible, but there is still a future for racing, Freking said. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 1 Mar. 2025 But the concept is the same regardless of your specifics: The method is flexible enough to accommodate different travel styles and climates without the risk of overpacking. Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025 This test involves inserting a long, flexible tube called an endoscope down your throat to see your esophagus and stomach. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flexible. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.

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

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