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

as in adjustable

capable of being readily changed fortunately, that working mother has a very flexible schedule for her office job

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relaxed

not bound by rigid standards parents with a flexible attitude when it comes to the children's bedtime

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stretch

able to revert to original size and shape after being stretched, squeezed, or twisted used a flexible plastic for the toy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 flexible However, Glenn's situation is a bit different because Barclays doesn't have a flexible points program. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026 This Quince pair is crafted from full-grain Italian leather, has a padded Ortholite insole for support, and a flexible outsole for comfort in every stride. — Ali Faccenda, InStyle, 9 Aug. 2026 To deal with the settling, Peters and his team developed flexible flooring lined with an impervious three-ply fabric. — Jennifer Tucker, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026 The antenna's shape is also reinforced with flexible fiberglass tape springs and a lightweight structure. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flexible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flexible

Adjective

This assortment features best sellers including the 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra, which has support, comfort adjustable straps and no-show double-layer back.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Fyrel The grill is attached to an adjustable structure with wheels on one side and a stable stand on the other.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of adjustable

Adjective

According to police sources, some bodies laid in plastic bags on gurneys while others were on shelves alongside miscellaneous equipment like spray cans and cardboard boxes.

— Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Most vegetables can be stored in plastic bags in the refrigerator, with the exception of bulbs like onions and garlic, potatoes, and tomatoes.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of plastic

Adjective

Currently, this spandex is produced in South Korea, China, India and Turkey, and adding Brazil will provide a new Western Hemisphere sourcing option for these stretch fibers.

— Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026
This pick stands out thanks to its non-stretch cotton fabric, which maintains its shape throughout the day.

— Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

Definition of stretch

Adjective

Its adaptable design allows small combat units to maintain swift, flexible logistics in hazardous areas where standard transport cannot go.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Investment should prioritize the skills most exposed to disruption, including digital fluency, leadership and adaptable problem-solving, since these are precisely where the Workday and Productivity Commission findings show preparation is weakest.

— Ayush Gupta, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of adaptable

Adjective

The Abbott Elementary star recently shared an Instagram post detailing her recent travels — and among floppy hats and patterned dresses, one timeless style caught our eye.

— Claire West, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026
Rather than waiting until plants look weak or floppy, provide consistent nutrition throughout the growing season.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of floppy

Adjective

Mice with activated Ddah1+ neurons were more resilient than mice without the neurons when exposed to a drug that caused overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system.

— Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
Second-quarter results from Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd showed that demand remains resilient despite tariffs, geopolitical turmoil and higher energy costs, with both carriers benefiting from the increasing container prices.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of resilient

Browse Nearby Words

flexibility

flexible

flexile

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“Flexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flexible. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of flexible

adjective

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