Synonym Chooser

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 What To Know The U.S. labor market remained resilient in February 2025, with nonfarm payroll employment rising slightly to 159.2 million from 159.1 million in January. William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025 Environmental groups say logging doesn't address these issues, in part because natural, mature forests are more resilient to wildfire than timber plantations would be. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025 Do not fear: Daffodils are quite resilient and will likely flower the next spring. Abigayle Ward, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2025 Advocates for more resilient grids have pointed to that storm as a vision of things to come if infrastructure is not better prepared. Zack Budryk, The Hill, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resilient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resilient
Adjective
  • Virtual assistance work Virtual assistance is a flexible side hustle that involves providing services like email management, social media support, bookkeeping, and scheduling for busy professionals and businesses.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Dogsled organizers and participants will need to continue to be flexible, but there is still a future for racing, Freking said.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Take Breaks Throughout The Day Taking a pause every 50 minutes to relax, stretch, meditate or engage in something enjoyable has been a game-changer for me.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests aiming for 150 minutes a week, but even taking a 10-minute break from work to go on a walk, stretch, or do a quick HIIT workout can make a huge difference.
    Julia Ries, SELF, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • There was also a second cleaner, who swept away the plastic bottles, wrappers, empty juice containers, plates of food, and other garbage that the passengers tossed on the floor.
    Amitava Kumar, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Beyond this study, previous research has found miniscule plastic particles in every single type of human tissue tested, with other papers linking these microplastics to everything from brain inflammation to low male fertility.
    Michael Franco, New Atlas, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resilient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resilient. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resilient

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