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
Example Sentences
flexible branches swaying in the breeze a material that is both strong and flexible She's been doing exercises to become stronger and more flexible. Our schedule for the weekend is very flexible. This computer program has to be flexible to meet all our needs. Whatever you want to do is fine with me. I'm flexible. See More
Recent Examples on the WebAnd there is a conversation about the necessity of being flexible during bunk-bed coitus. Darren Franich, EW.com, 7 Sep. 2022 The program allows the bank to be more flexible on some clauses like supplier diversity, allowing small businesses to get a loan even if they are heavily tied to a single customer. David Benoit, WSJ, 3 Sep. 2022 The tree branches are flexible, so they can be adjusted and the base of the tree is handpainted to resemble the texture of real bark. Alyssa Gautieri, Good Housekeeping, 31 Aug. 2022 Interior seating is flexible and can be configured in different ways, with lounge-like rear seats that recline to let passengers relax. Laura Burstein, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2022 Jassy maintained that the company is flexible, but that Amazon workers should live close enough to their office to come in within a day’s notice. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2022 Employers driving innovation toward a more flexible future of care. Isabelle Hau, Forbes, 2 Aug. 2022 Look for a way to be flexible without being impulsive.Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2022 The Post Millennial article claims a source from Boston Children's Hospital said the age for gender reaffirming surgeries is flexible. Hannah Hudnall, USA TODAY, 23 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
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