flexible

adjective

flex·​i·​ble ˈflek-sə-bəl How to pronounce flexible (audio)
Synonyms of flexible
1
: capable of being flexed : pliant
flexible branches swaying in the breeze
2
: yielding to influence : tractable
a flexible person without strong convictions
3
: characterized by a ready capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements
a flexible foreign policy
a flexible schedule
flexibility
ˌflek-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce flexible (audio)
noun
flexibly
ˈflek-sə-blē How to pronounce flexible (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of flexible

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elastic, resilient, springy, flexible, supple mean able to endure strain without being permanently injured.

elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

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

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

supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.

supple leather

Examples of flexible in a Sentence

flexible branches swaying in the breeze a material that is both strong and flexible She's been doing exercises to become stronger and more flexible. Our schedule for the weekend is very flexible. This computer program has to be flexible to meet all our needs. Whatever you want to do is fine with me. I'm flexible.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
According to materials provided to CNBC, Google has also directly targeted Microsoft and Anthropic, claiming their recurring seat fees and separate product licenses make their offerings more expensive and less flexible. — Mackenzie Sigalos,drew Troast, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026 Once the moon enters Gemini, conversations will pick up speed as plans become more flexible. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026 Shoes have a reputation for being clunky and not ideal for packing, but these lightweight, flexible flats can be stashed in a carry-on or weekender bag with no trouble. — Kaitlin Gates, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026 Online lenders can be faster and more flexible, often making decisions based on bank statements and operating performance. — Joseph Lustberg, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flexible

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin flexibilis, from flexus (past participle of flectere "to cause to go in a different direction, bend, curve," of uncertain origin) + -ibilis -ible

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flexible was in the 15th century

Rhymes for flexible

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Browse Nearby Words

flexibilize
flexible
flexible binding
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Cite this Entry

“Flexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flexible. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

flexible

adjective
flex·​i·​ble ˈflek-sə-bəl How to pronounce flexible (audio)
1
: capable of being bent : pliant
2
: readily changed or changing : adaptable
a flexible schedule
flexibility
ˌflek-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce flexible (audio)
noun
flexibly
ˈflek-sə-blē How to pronounce flexible (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

flexible

adjective
flex·​i·​ble ˈflek-sə-bəl How to pronounce flexible (audio)
: capable of being flexed : capable of being turned, bowed, or twisted without breaking
flexible bandages
a flexible fiber-optic bronchoscope
flexibility
ˌflek-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce flexible (audio)
noun
plural flexibilities
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