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flexible

adjective
flex·​i·​ble | \ ˈflek-sə-bəl How to pronounce flexible (audio) \

Definition of flexible

1 : capable of being flexed : pliant flexible branches swaying in the breeze
2 : yielding to influence : tractable a flexible person without strong convictions
3 : characterized by a ready capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements a flexible foreign policy a flexible schedule
Other Words from flexible Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about flexible

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Other Words from flexible

flexibility \ ˌflek-​sə-​ˈbi-​lə-​tē How to pronounce flexibility (audio) \ noun
flexibly \ ˈflek-​sə-​blē How to pronounce flexibly (audio) \ adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for flexible

elastic, resilient, springy, flexible, supple mean able to endure strain without being permanently injured. elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching. an elastic waistband resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed. a resilient innersole 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 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 supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury. supple leather

Examples of flexible in a Sentence

flexible branches swaying in the breeze a material that is both strong and flexible
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Human affairs have always been messy, but even in science, the old idea of nature obeying exact laws has given way to a more flexible view. — Wired, "Uncertainty Isn't Always a Problem—It Can Be the Solution," 3 Sep. 2019 The 61-year-old Dickinson’s voice remains impressive and still flexible enough to belt out Iron Maiden’s dramatic, operatic anthems. — Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, "Iron Maiden revisit their classic 1980s era in over-the-top spectacle at Xcel Energy Center," 26 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flexible.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of flexible

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for flexible

Middle English, borrowed from Latin flexibilis, from flexus (past participle of flectere "to cause to go in a different direction, bend, curve," of uncertain origin) + -ibilis -ible

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More Definitions for flexible

flexible

adjective
How to pronounce flexible (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of flexible

: capable of bending or being bent
: easily changed : able to change or to do different things
: willing to change or to try different things

See the full definition for flexible in the English Language Learners Dictionary

flexible

adjective
flex·​i·​ble | \ ˈflek-sə-bəl How to pronounce flexible (audio) \

Kids Definition of flexible

1 : possible or easy to bend flexible plastic
2 : easily changed a flexible schedule

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