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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 By tonight, the Moon enters Aquarius and your mind gets much more flexible. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026 Scientists are now trying to replicate this ability with printable, flexible, biocompatible, and recyclable artificial synapses that don't require the rigid metals and complex manufacturing processes used in existing artificial synapse components. — New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026 The survey included 282 hoteliers and found that properties were using incentives such as higher wages, flexible schedules and hotel discounts to attract workers. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026 Japanese-style scalp brushes have hundreds of fine, flexible bristles arranged at different heights. — Laura Sandroni, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flexible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flexible

Adjective

This accent color continues into the cabin on the dashboard and center console, while the standard four-way power-adjustable sport seats add to the sense of occasion with plaid inserts.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
Their two top sellers are the Banyan pant, which is a snap pant, and a Move and Groove pant, both of which are adjustable.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of adjustable

Adjective

The defense rested its case on Thursday in the death penalty case of Alberto Sierra, who admitted to snuffing the lives of his estranged wife and her two young daughters with a plastic bag.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Finish by gently scraping off the wallpaper with a plastic paint scraper.

— Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of plastic

Adjective

If he — or any center — is sidelined for any stretch again, the Bulls will rely heavily on Smith as a stretch big man who can cover a lot of ground on both ends of the court.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026
The synthetic hand has learned to split silk strands, thread a needle, stretch fabric across a frame, and stitch, following a craft with more than 2,500 years of history.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of stretch

Adjective

Rather than simply copying that, but with a slab of batteries under the cabin, the Fiat Multiplay explores the idea of a vehicle that’s adaptable, transforming from a three-row people carrier to a pickup.

— Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026
Its adaptable architecture supports missions including tactical logistics, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, communications support and other mission-critical applications.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of adaptable

Adjective

There’s a real zing to the sauce au poivre, which is mahogany-dark and sticky with demi-glace, and a cozy depth to the paccheri, floppy cylinders of pasta in a cream sauce with kale and sausage.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
There is of course another way to hear ABBA songs sung live onstage, though sadly without Greek island backdrops or background singers wearing floppy swim fins.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of floppy

Adjective

Faisal Munir, president of mission-critical communications at L3Harris, said the partnership combines complementary technologies with resilient networks.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Economists say that as long as unemployment stays low and Americans continue working, spending will likely stay resilient.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of resilient

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flexibility

flexible

flexile

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“Flexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flexible. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of flexible

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