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

Relevance

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 The zipper holds an elastic tassel that doubles as a hair tie when needed. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026 They’re made from the same wrinkle-free fabric that feels smooth to the touch, with an elastic waistband and drawstring for easy adjustment. — Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 19 Aug. 2026 When such plasma is strongly coupled, the dust grains can’t fly past each other instead behave like elastic rubber. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026 The top has a relaxed, slightly oversized feel with a round neckline and dropped shoulders, while the shorts are cut wide and roomy with a comfortable elastic waistband. — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elastic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elastic

Adjective

Thickness, though, is not always an option—optical films have to stay clear, protective layers on aircraft have to stay light and flexible, and the barriers on outdoor electronics are thin by design.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026
Soft loafers are also resonating for their lightweight, flexible construction and polished look without sacrificing comfort.

— Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of flexible

Adjective

This baby-pink maxi has an adjustable neck strap and cascading ruffles along the bottom.

— Eva Thomas, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026
Pressure-relieving foam sits atop a section of supportive microcoils with a durable foam border and adjustable responsive air chambers, ensuring a personalized balance of comfort and stability.

— V BRAND STORIES, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of adjustable

Adjective

Its stretch material lends mobility and a fully relaxed fit, while the full-zipper closure helps block out the elements.

— Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
The non-stretch cotton fabric gives them a structured, straight drape, while the classic five-pocket design keeps the style simple enough to dress up or down.

— Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of stretch

Adjective

While mosquitoes are remarkably adaptable animals, scientists have repeatedly demonstrated that their numbers and territory are expanding as the planet warms and weather patterns change.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026
The adaptable oak varieties are native to the capital region and, when mature, can often survive the hot, dry summers without being watered — something Leary points to when advocating for preserving the trees rather than planting new ones.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of adaptable

Adjective

Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to hold in moisture, then put the cutting in a warm place with bright, indirect light.

— Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
YouTube and social media even walk viewers through DIY portable bidets built from plastic soda bottles.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of plastic

Adjective

It’s made with stretchy lightweight fabric that’s easy to layer for in-between weather days.

— Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
The slim fit of these long-sleeve tops is perfect for tucking into bottoms, and the super-soft, stretchy fabric won’t wrinkle easily when folded into your travel bag.

— Amber Cardullo, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of stretchy

Adjective

Similar efforts to make quantum hardware more resilient include quantum chips designed to verify their own hardware, showing how reliability is becoming a problem that researchers are tackling at several levels.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
And the American economy remains resilient overall, with persistently high GDP growth.

— Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of resilient

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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of elastic

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