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.
Changes in economic conditions, market volatility, or new tax laws demand that individuals and business owners remain flexible and proactive. Aleksandar Jakovljevic, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 But remember to keep your calendar flexible and don’t be afraid to pivot. Sean McNally, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2025 Many loans are interest-free and come with flexible repayment plans. Andee Tagle, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025 Travel booking platform Priceline launched its flexible travel membership, VIP, in 2020. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 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 18 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!