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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Relevance

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 An independent flexible room with a bathroom is adjacent to the kitchen. —

Lana Bortolot, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 Plan for marketing and future growth, but keep things flexible to stay open to new opportunities. —

Sho Dewan, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 To address this challenge, Chinese defense experts have proposed that China’s military culture must become comfortable with decentralized and flexible operations. —

Sam Bresnick, Foreign Affairs, 31 Dec. 2024 The new manta-robot has a body made of silicone and flexible wings that move exactly like those of a manta ray. —

Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flexible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flexible

Adjective

In my practice, the mission has always been about creating a welcoming, relaxed environment for patients.

— Maged el-Malecki, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
It’s made from a soft, chunky fabric and has a relaxed, boxy fit.

— Ali Faccenda, People.com, 13 Jan. 2025