RESILIENT Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

resilient

adjective

ri-ˈzil-yənt

Definition of resilient

as in flexible

able to revert to original size and shape after being stretched, squeezed, or twisted after being dipped in liquid nitrogen, the rubber ball's normally resilient surface is as brittle as ceramic

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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 The toll on its ecosystem was almost terminal and by 1970, the river was effectively biologically dead, its fish population reduced to just three resilient species. — Camille Knight, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 Hersha Parady joined the cast as the warm yet resilient Alice Garvey in season 4, quickly becoming a core member of the Walnut Grove community. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026 New York, however, is nothing if not resilient, and as disruptive as Swift and Kelce’s wedding could have been, in reality the neighborhood carried on with modest enthusiasm tempered with indifference. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 4 July 2026 The nation that leads in secure artificial intelligence, trusted cloud computing, resilient critical infrastructure, quantum technologies and digital innovation will define much of the twenty-first century economy. — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for resilient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resilient

Adjective

One degree with flexible hours for mid-level professionals is now under the new limits.

— Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
The aim is to create digital assets that are flexible enough to be used over and over in lots of different ways, whether in movies, video games, advertising, or interactive projects.

— Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026

Definition of flexible

Adjective

Like many of Levi’s best-selling styles, they’re made from 100-percent cotton and have a non-stretch fit.

— Iman Balagam, InStyle, 26 June 2026
The halter dress was crafted with stretch silk with a sleek column silhouette complemented by a halter neckline and an open back.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 June 2026

Definition of stretch

Adjective

The strips are piled high in plastic bins, sprawled over tables and fed underneath bobbing needles.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Furthermore, the National Onion Association advises against storing onions with potatoes (onions emit ethylene gas, which will cause potatoes to ripen) or other produce that releases moisture and storing them in plastic bags.

— Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 4 July 2026

Definition of plastic

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resilience

resilient

resist

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

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Synonyms of resilient

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