RESILIENT Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'resilient' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of resilient are elastic , flexible , springy , and supple . While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed. // a resilient innersole

Q: When could 'elastic' be used to replace 'resilient'?

The words elastic and resilient can be used in similar contexts, but elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching. // an elastic waistband

Q: When is it sensible to use 'flexible' instead of 'resilient'?

While in some cases nearly identical to resilient , 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: When can 'springy' be used instead of 'resilient'?

The words springy and resilient 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 would 'supple' be a good substitute for 'resilient'?

While the synonyms supple and resilient are close in meaning, supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury. // supple leather

resilient

adjective

ri-ˈzil-yənt

Definition of resilient

as in flexible

able to revert to original size and shape after being stretched, squeezed, or twisted after being dipped in liquid nitrogen, the rubber ball's normally resilient surface is as brittle as ceramic

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How does the adjective resilient contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of resilient are elastic, flexible, springy, and supple. While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

When could elastic be used to replace resilient?

The words elastic and resilient can be used in similar contexts, but elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

When is it sensible to use flexible instead of resilient?

While in some cases nearly identical to resilient, 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

When can springy be used instead of resilient?

The words springy and resilient 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 would supple be a good substitute for resilient?

While the synonyms supple and resilient are close in meaning, 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 resilient Walking into a roaring arena sealed his image as a resilient, anti-establishment icon. — Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026 Grit, defense and a varied attack on offense put the Valkyries on the heels of Minnesota in the standings, and brought them within striking distance in a resilient second half. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Airlines, supported by resilient travel demand and the shutdown of budget carrier Spirit in May, have hiked airfare and baggage fees and cut less profitable flights. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026 While many failed to meet our expectations, my team has managed to find some genuinely resilient containers for storing leftovers, packing lunches, and batching meal prep. — Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resilient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resilient

Adjective

Researchers developed the flexible material from cotton pulp cellulose, turning an abundant renewable material into an electrically conductive hydrogel.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
Abu Dhabi is not the Gulf’s biggest energy exporter, but ADNOC has emerged as one of its most flexible — thanks to geography, defense capabilities, and a willingness to take risks.

— Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of flexible

Adjective

The non-stretch cotton fabric gives them a structured, straight drape, while the classic five-pocket design keeps the style simple enough to dress up or down.

— Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of stretch

Adjective

The trouble is that these connections significantly change over time—they’re plastic.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2026
Vendors weave through the packed crowd hawking cans of beer, hard seltzer and jalapeño-tequila and cherry vodka Jell-O shots, served in plastic syringes.

— Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of plastic

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resilience

resilient

resist

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“Resilient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resilient. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of resilient

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