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resilient

adjective
re·​sil·​ient | \ ri-ˈzil-yənt 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

 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 Like the lingering aroma of garlic after a big Italian meal, Gilroy natives are resilient. — Ann Killion, SFChronicle.com, "Former 49ers QB Jeff Garcia, a Gilroy native: ‘Our community will rise above’," 3 Aug. 2019 Major changes to the way Americans get around can both reduce emissions and make transportation more resilient to the effects of a warming climate. — Alissa Walker, Curbed, "Will the candidates talk housing, transportation at the next Democratic debates?," 30 July 2019 As biologists know, healthy ecosystems are robust and resilient. — Wired, "Philanthropy and the Challenge of Quantifying Success," 30 July 2019 The virus is resilient and can survive for up to three months while staying infectious. — Naseem S. Miller, orlandosentinel.com, "After declaring hepatitis A emergency, state surgeon general stresses hand washing," 2 Aug. 2019 And evidence that women who work outside the home may be more resilient against cognitive decline highlights the need to explore other protective factors. — Katherine Ellen Foley, Quartz, "Excluding minorities from Alzheimer’s research is wrong—and it’s keeping us from finding a cure," 19 July 2019 With support and belief, the human spirit is so very strong and resilient. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Preventing violence and abuse by working to create better communities," 13 July 2019 Short-term strategies could include using our findings to breed or increase cultivation of crops that are resilient to or even benefit from climate change. — Deepak Ray, The Conversation, "Climate change is affecting crop yields and reducing global food supplies," 9 July 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 | \ -yənt How to pronounce resilient (audio) \

Medical Definition of resilient

: characterized or marked by resilience

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