Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective supple contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of supple are elastic, flexible, resilient, and springy. While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.

supple leather

When is elastic a more appropriate choice than supple?

The words elastic and supple are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

When is it sensible to use flexible instead of supple?

While the synonyms flexible and supple are close in meaning, 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 resilient be a reasonable alternative to supple?

While in some cases nearly identical to supple, resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

When can springy be used instead of supple?

The meanings of springy and supple largely overlap; however, 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

Example 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 supple The party is essentially a family firm, now fronted by his more politically supple daughter Marine Le Pen. Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024 This particular ingredient contains a slew of amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals essential for plump, supple skin. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 29 Oct. 2024 Strong yet supple leather is a great choice for a passport holder, while vegan leather (typically PU) offers an alternative for those who prefer to avoid leather for ethical or economical reasons. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 15 Oct. 2024 Made from supple faux leather, the black luggage tag is virtually scratch-free and comes with a subtle privacy shield to cover your personal information. Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for supple 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supple
Adjective
  • Of course, some experts think CEOs should be a little more flexible.
    Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Institutional players are prioritizing proptech companies that deliver scalability and operational efficiency, particularly in flexible workspaces or alternative housing. 2.
    Ilona Limonta-Volkova, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The soft and smooth texture of the material is meant to combine with a stretch mesh material wrapping the graphite within the grip to improve vibration dampening by 5.8%.
    Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Make the goals reasonably outsized and be aspirational so that they are considered stretch goals.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • During subsequent decades, the Soviets and its pliant regime were defeated, the country was racked by civil war, and various Islamist groups became ascendant, including the Mujahedin, Taliban, al-Qaeda, and Isis-Khorasan.
    Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Notably, Assad was pliant to the ayatollahs’ Iran, the theocratic state bent on reshaping the region in the name of Shi’ite jihad.
    Bassem Eid, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Behind the scenes, Dua Miami is partnered with Clean The World, a company that recycles hotel soaps and plastic bottles.
    Mariette Williams, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2025
  • If your cider vinegar comes in a plastic bottle, transfer it to glass for long-term storage.
    Annie Peterson, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Two ultra-limber actors — Hassiem Muhammad and Ryan Sellers — in garish body makeup (and dance shoes) merge limbs and psyches for an electric demonstration of poetry in motion.
    Peter Marks, Washington Post, 26 Jan. 2023
  • For thousands of years, people have turned to yoga to feel more limber, release stress and rejuvenate their overall physical and mental health.
    Forrest Brown, CNN, 21 June 2022
Adjective
  • More resilient, more into matches, more able to respond to situations.
    Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Relationships built on mutual effort are emotionally resilient and fulfilling.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Most of all, don’t forget to ask yourself if the blanket is soft and pliable for ease of draping and functional use.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025
  • But despite its arresting looks and unique pliable body, the screen is far from a gimmick with real performance specs to back up its stylish looks.
    Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The elastic waistband offers both full coverage and maximum comfort.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Just enough elastic at the ankle to be tapered without being too tight.
    Dana Leigh Smith, Glamour, 16 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near supple

Cite this Entry

“Supple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supple. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on supple

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