ELASTIC Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of elastic are flexible , resilient , springy , and supple . While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching. // an elastic waistband

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

The meanings of flexible and elastic largely overlap; however, 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 might 'resilient' be a better fit than 'elastic'?

Although the words resilient and elastic have much in common, resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed. // a resilient innersole

Q: In what contexts can 'springy' take the place of 'elastic'?

The words springy and elastic can be used in similar contexts, but 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 can 'supple' be used instead of 'elastic'?

The words supple and elastic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury. // supple leather

elastic

adjective

i-ˈla-stik

Definition of elastic

as in flexible

able to revert to original size and shape after being stretched, squeezed, or twisted elastic rubber bands

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in adjustable

capable of being readily changed when vacationing, we generally have very elastic daily sightseeing plans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective elastic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of elastic are flexible, resilient, springy, and supple. While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

When could flexible be used to replace elastic?

The meanings of flexible and elastic largely overlap; however, 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 might resilient be a better fit than elastic?

Although the words resilient and elastic have much in common, resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

In what contexts can springy take the place of elastic?

The words springy and elastic can be used in similar contexts, but 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 can supple be used instead of elastic?

The words supple and elastic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 elastic Somewhere between a jegging and a jean exist these Liverpool Los Angeles pants, which have a comfy elastic, pull-on waist in lieu of a zipper and button closure. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Sep. 2026 Heat weakens elastic materials including spandex and elastane. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026 The elastic corners create pockets that scoop up wet laundry like a net. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026 Part of what makes Beyond Fest such an exciting event is the elastic unpredictability of what fits within the festival’s purview. — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elastic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elastic

Adjective

Goldener Hirsch has a residence rental program that is extremely family-friendly with flexible sleeping arrangements, welcome kits for the kiddos, and babysitting services.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
As Chinese politics regress, such flexible problem solving is giving way to rigid orthodoxy.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of flexible

Adjective

While most of the system’s weight rests on its clear base, it is held upright by an adjustable stand that connects near the top of the system’s back panel and extends outward to form an A-frame ladder.

— Michael Justin Allen Sexton, PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 2026
The simplest way to think about it is to imagine the grid gaining millions of tiny batteries, generators, and adjustable loads.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of adjustable

Adjective

Intentionally redistribute work, rotate stretch responsibilities and check capacity before adding more.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
The garment, titled the Mermaid Bi Dress, was form-fitted and crafted out of what appeared to be leather and a sheer stretch fabric.

— Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of stretch

Adjective

Promotional images and films conjured a playful, adaptable and benevolent house — plastic as the building block of family happiness.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Such hands-on learning, in turn, develops versatile, adaptable talent, producing graduates who can pivot across jobs as industries, technologies and opportunities evolve.

— Raghupathy Sivakumar, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of adaptable

Adjective

Miu Miu’s stretchy bralettes, meanwhile, put a sporty twist on the trend (see Gigi Hadid’s runway look).

— Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026
They’re made of a surprisingly stretchy material, but feature a high waist and pleated pockets for a polished, effortless look.

— Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of stretchy

Adjective

In this new work, a soft, stretchable mechanochromic material was developed.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Featuring short-sleeves, a V-neck cut, smocked high waist, and wide-leg design, this soft and stretchable jumpsuit provides extreme comfort.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026

Definition of stretchable

Browse Nearby Words

elapsing

elastic

elasticity

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“Elastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elastic. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of elastic

adjective

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