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

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 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Make the goals reasonably outsized and be aspirational so that they are considered stretch goals.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
  • They are crafted from stretch synthetic suede for an easy fit and get great reviews for comfort and quality.
    Nora Colomer, Fox News, 30 Dec. 2024
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
  • Both models also feature swappable mechanical keys and proprietary sixth-gen AeroBlade metal fans for thermals, which Acer says can increase airflow by up to 20 percent compared to plastic fans.
    Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Store raw cranberries in their original packaging (often, a plastic bag) or transfer them to an airtight storage container and zip-top bag.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 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
  • However, by proactively tackling these challenges, leaders can pave the way for a more efficient, trustworthy and resilient future in auto transport payment processing.
    Bek Abdullayev, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Employers added 256,000 jobs in December, blowing past economists' expectations and signaling that the job market remains resilient in the face of still-high borrowing rates and stickier-than-expected inflation.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Prune off brittle brown stems, but leave anything pliable in place for several weeks in case new growth appears.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • While some dresses can be restricting and uncomfortable, the Deacon is anything but the sort, with an easy-fit design and an elastic empire waistband that provides flexibility while still offering some shape.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Not forgiven, but you were accorded a few more days to tidy up your elastic finances.
    Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 4 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near supple

Cite this Entry

“Supple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supple. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on supple

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