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resilient

adjective
re·​sil·​ient | \ ri-ˈzil-yÉ™nt How to pronounce resilient (audio) \

Definition of resilient

: characterized or marked by resilience: such as
a : capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture
b : tending to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change
Other Words from resilient Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about resilient

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Other Words from resilient

resiliently adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for resilient

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 resilient in a Sentence

The tallow tree, an ornamental species introduced by Benjamin Franklin in 1772, can quickly grow to 10 metres and is resilient to many pests. — New Scientist, 19-25 Aug. 2006 In this affecting and eloquent account of the Dew family members' attempts to come to terms with the homosexuality of the elder son … Stephen emerges as a remarkably resilient and self-aware young man. — Genevieve Stuttaford, Publishers Weekly, 18 Apr. 1994 Scientists are trying to figure out how the complex structure of such crystals and polymers and their interactions on the molecular level lead to resilient materials like sea shells, teeth and bones. — JoAnn Shroyer, Quark, Critters and Chaos, 1993 Old roses are tough and resilient; they may be a little loose and blowzy … but the fact remains, these bushes want to live. — Beverly Lowry, New York Times Book Review, 3 Dec. 1989 Hot-dipped nails have a resilient, thick zinc jacket that withstands more of the perils of a nail's life. — Jim Locke, The Apple Corps Guide to the Well-Built House, 1988 The local economy is remarkably resilient. after being dipped in liquid nitrogen, the rubber ball's normally resilient surface is as brittle as ceramic
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Hong Kong is likely more resilient than many places to a complete internet shutdown too. — James Griffiths, CNN, "Blocking social media would be 'the end of the open internet of Hong Kong.' It also wouldn't work," 29 Aug. 2019 The online networks formed by hate groups may be more resilient than previously thought, and social media companies could need to adopt different tactics to keep them away, according to research released Wednesday. — David Ingram, NBC News, "'Hate is in the ether': Research finds hate is resilient on the internet," 21 Aug. 2019 Of course, in all this work, questions remain, particularly about how the systems stay resilient to natural variations in cell size, and how size might affect differentiation much later in development. — Quanta Magazine, "For Embryo’s Cells, Size Can Determine Fate," 12 Aug. 2019 Qarth Daenerys Costume The Queen in Qarth is regal, relaxed, yet resilient. — Ann Wang, Good Housekeeping, "4 Khaleesi Costumes You Can Buy to Channel Your Inner Daenerys Targaryen," 31 July 2019 Third, new buildings must be designed to be resilient to the threat of extreme heat and existing ones adapted. — The Economist, "Heatwaves are killing people," 27 July 2019 New Yorkers and its real estate are pretty resilient. — R. Daniel Foster, Los Angeles Times, "Bravo’s ‘Million Dollar Listing New York’ finds broker Ryan Serhant on the move," 26 July 2019 Another technology firm that showed itself to be surprisingly resilient yesterday was Snap. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, "Facebook Shrugs Off a $5 Billion Fine: CEO Daily," 25 July 2019 This article is part of the Black Magic Project, which focuses on people who embody the resilient and empowering legacy of the black community. — al, "Birmingham high schoolers to receive mental health kits thanks to local effort," 14 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'resilient.' 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 resilient

1674, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for resilient

Latin resilient-, resiliens, present participle of resilire to jump back, recoil, from re- + salire to leap — more at sally

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More Definitions for resilient

resilient

adjective
How to pronounce resilient (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of resilient

: able to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens
: able to return to an original shape after being pulled, stretched, pressed, bent, etc.

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

resilient

adjective
re·​sil·​ient | \ -yÉ™nt How to pronounce resilient (audio) \

Medical Definition of resilient

: characterized or marked by resilience

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More from Merriam-Webster on resilient

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for resilient

Spanish Central: Translation of resilient

Nglish: Translation of resilient for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of resilient for Arabic Speakers

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