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 The White House said the $90 payments for seniors would come from the Medicare Improvement Fund, established by Congress in 2008 as flexible funding to improve program operations and payments to healthcare providers. — Melissa Goldin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026 By filling in those gaps at the time of retrieval with the most likely possibility, your memory system can actually be quicker and be more flexible and work online in a timely manner. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026 For someone with a more minimalist style like Bessette-Kennedy, this low-profile ring offers a modern and flexible take on the traditional engagement band. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2026 The robot is about the size of a stick of chewing gum, with muscle cells attached to a flexible gel. — New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flexible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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

Alongside iconic locations often featured in films and TV, West Hollywood offers a relaxed neighborhood spirit which Stay AKA perfectly taps into.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Inside, the house has a mix of formal reception rooms and more relaxed spaces, along with a custom kitchen and dining area and a main bedroom suite.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of relaxed

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

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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of flexible

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