flexible

adjective

flex·​i·​ble ˈflek-sə-bəl 

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

ˌflek-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

flexibly

ˈflek-sə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• adaptable
• adjustable
• alterable
• changeable
• elastic
• fluid
• malleable
• modifiable
• pliable
• variable

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

The flexible mesh material allows your foot to easily slide into the shoe and stretch, ensuring there’s no break-in period or painful blisters. —Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2025

Rather than huge fans on the set with a massive amount of electronic noise, those fans are outside the stage and they’re tubed in through on plastic flexible ducts. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025

Since so many WeWork competitors have come on the scene and remote work has taken hold, having flexible but expansive and beautiful spaces can be a real game-changer for small- to mid-sized businesses. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Those people are looking for flexible spaces, flexible hotels that have conference centers. —Lisa J. Huriash, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025

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

Kids Definition

flexible

adjective

flex·​i·​ble ˈflek-sə-bəl 

1

: capable of being bent : pliant

2

: readily changed or changing : adaptable

a flexible schedule

flexibility

ˌflek-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

flexibly

ˈflek-sə-blē 

adverb

Medical Definition

flexible

adjective

flex·​i·​ble ˈflek-sə-bəl 

: capable of being flexed : capable of being turned, bowed, or twisted without breaking

flexible bandages

a flexible fiber-optic bronchoscope

flexibility

ˌflek-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

plural flexibilities