RESILIENCE Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

resilience

noun

Definition of resilience

as in strength

the ability to withstand or adjust to challenges Her resilience shined in her willingness to accept the failure as a valuable learning experience. We were impressed by his resilience and optimism throughout his battle with cancer.

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as in flexibility

the ability of something to return to its original shape after it has been stretched, pressed, bent, etc. Rubber is a favorite material for dog toys thanks to its strong resilience. Palm trees have evolved to show strong resilience in the face of tropical storms.

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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 resilience Governments cannot build national resilience around decisions made in Washington or any other foreign capital. — W. Gyude Moore, semafor.com, 2 July 2026 Pressure is building for standard definitions of stress, resilience and recovery speed, along with more clinical partnerships as regulators pay closer attention. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026 After four years of war, life in Lukianivka, the most frequently hit part of the Ukrainian capital, is a mix of adaptability and endurance, defiance and denial, resignation and resilience. — Steve Hendrix, Washington Post, 3 July 2026 As more renewable power sources come online and electricity consumption grows, utilities are seeking technologies that improve grid reliability, flexibility, and resilience. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for resilience

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resilience

Noun

Additional laser pulses reveal how much the ion’s quantum state has changed, allowing researchers to calculate the strength of the surrounding electric field.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
The link held even after accounting for traditional risk factors, though the strength varied by racial and ethnic group, a gap researchers say still needs further study before firm conclusions can be drawn about why.

— Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026

Definition of strength

Noun

This game was top-class entertainment, showcased both teams’ tactical flexibility, and could have ended with a very different scoreline.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Dickinson said the project allows residents to enjoy the flexibility of renting while avoiding many of the maintenance responsibilities associated with homeownership.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of flexibility

Noun

Scientists say that difference in scale and persistence means history does not guarantee a repeat outcome, even as El Niño is expected to strengthen through the fall and add another layer of ocean warming.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 July 2026
But that persistence and learning became the foundation of my organization.

— Mikhail Shneyder, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of persistence

Noun

Universities must rethink education, focusing on fostering critical thinking, communication, and adaptability—skills AI struggles to replicate.

— Anna Demeo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
That Teng could even accomplish it and have some success speaks to his value and adaptability.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of adaptability

Noun

The Home Service Insurance segment experienced a decline in premiums, attributed to strategic actions to improve sales quality and persistency, as well as economic pressures such as inflation.

— Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2025
The tannins are well structured yet soft and the wine has great persistency in the finish.

— Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 2 May 2023

Definition of persistency

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resigns (from)

resilience

resilient

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“Resilience.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resilience. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of resilience

noun

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