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 When that alignment exists, donor relationships become more resilient. — Karen Cochran, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 The resilient owners of Nubar Cafe made sure the party went on. — Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 Wells Fargo reported that despite macroeconomic pressures and overall uncertainty, consumers remain resilient. — Hugh Son,laya Neelakandan,leslie Picker,ritika Shah, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026 In a recent paper in Physical Review X, a team of researchers mathematically investigated knitting to invent a new, more resilient stitch. — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resilient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resilient

Adjective

Paired with on-site energy storage, SSTs could turn data centers from blunt-force loads into more flexible participants in the grid.

— Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Trump’s flexible realism also entails recognizing the need to form bespoke coalitions of the willing to augment the United Nations and other large multilateral institutions.

— Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of flexible

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

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

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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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of resilient

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