Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective supple contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of supple are elastic, flexible, resilient, and springy. While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.

supple leather

When is elastic a more appropriate choice than supple?

The words elastic and supple are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

When is it sensible to use flexible instead of supple?

While the synonyms flexible and supple are close in meaning, 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 resilient be a reasonable alternative to supple?

While in some cases nearly identical to supple, resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

When can springy be used instead of supple?

The meanings of springy and supple largely overlap; however, 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

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 supple The party is essentially a family firm, now fronted by his more politically supple daughter Marine Le Pen. Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024 This particular ingredient contains a slew of amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals essential for plump, supple skin. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 29 Oct. 2024 Strong yet supple leather is a great choice for a passport holder, while vegan leather (typically PU) offers an alternative for those who prefer to avoid leather for ethical or economical reasons. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 15 Oct. 2024 Made from supple faux leather, the black luggage tag is virtually scratch-free and comes with a subtle privacy shield to cover your personal information. Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for supple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supple
Adjective
  • These include widespread access to affordable childcare, generous parental leave shared between both parents, and flexible work arrangements.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Be flexible with plans: Be patient and accept that last-minute cancellations may happen due to unpredictable flare-ups.
    Robert Burakoff, Health, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Additionally, Korkmaz said stretch fabrics are making a strong comeback, reminiscent of the early 2000s, but reimagined with current technology.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • With a pliant Congress, Trump is using his office to benefit his family’s business interests, former prosecutors and ethics lawyers say.
    Natasha Frost, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
  • For all the talk and research that has gone into exploiting graphene’s pliant properties for use in wearable and flexible electronics, most of the polymer composites it has been mixed with to date have been on the hard and inflexible side.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 14 Dec. 2016
Adjective
  • These new projects incorporate traditional grates for removal of solid waste like plastic bottles but also use a multilayer filtration system that mimics the way forests and wetlands naturally purify water.
    Courtney Heath, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025
  • For instance, the near perfect rendition of human faces, animal hairs, object surfaces, often cause AI generated images to look plastic and unnatural.
    Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Two ultra-limber actors — Hassiem Muhammad and Ryan Sellers — in garish body makeup (and dance shoes) merge limbs and psyches for an electric demonstration of poetry in motion.
    Peter Marks, Washington Post, 26 Jan. 2023
  • For thousands of years, people have turned to yoga to feel more limber, release stress and rejuvenate their overall physical and mental health.
    Forrest Brown, CNN, 21 June 2022
Adjective
  • Jackson County Public Health Director Bridgette Shaffer said public health infrastructure acts as the foundation of a healthy, resilient and thriving community.
    Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The path forward lies in leveraging technology to enhance customer experience and create a resilient, compliant and future-ready organization.
    Monica Hovsepian, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This was an actor with a marvelous, pliable face, not necessarily movie-star handsome but made up of bits and pieces of star quality: the cleft chin, the ready smile, the slightly doughy nose that somehow made his face look comically regal.
    Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Flint The cellulose also underpins a more versatile, pliable battery structure, allowing Flint to make batteries in different forms.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The elastic waistband on the skirt is comfy and adapts as the bump grows.
    Leilani McQuay, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2025
  • They’re fitted with a multitude of spacious and secure pockets for holding all your in-flight essentials, while an adjustable elastic waistband provides unending comfort whether you’re seated or standing.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 30 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Supple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supple. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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