flexible
Capable of adapting or changing to suit new or modified conditions or situations.
Word facts
Definition of Flexible
Capable of being flexed or bent without breaking; able to be turned or twisted without breaking.
Example sentences
This was a principle more flexible to their purpose. -Rogers.
Using Flexible well
A closer look at how flexible is used — meaning in plain English, how close synonyms differ, and examples at different levels.
Able to bend or change easily to fit different needs or situations.
Use it for things that bend physically, or for people, plans, and rules that adapt easily. It carries a positive, accommodating tone.
Common in job listings, product descriptions, and everyday talk about schedules, materials, and plans (flexible hours, flexible material, flexible approach).
- adaptable
- focuses on adjusting well to new conditions; used more for people and systems than for physical bending
- versatile
- stresses having many uses or skills, not just the ability to bend or yield
- pliable
- more physical or literal about bending; applied to people it can hint at being easily influenced
- accommodating
- about a willing, obliging attitude toward others, rather than the capacity to change shape or plans
- elastic
- emphasises stretching and springing back; often used for rules, budgets, or materials
- rigid
- strong opposite — unwilling or unable to bend, often with a negative edge
- inflexible
- direct opposite; fixed and not open to change
- firm
- milder opposite — steady and unyielding, but can be neutral or even positive
- stiff
- opposite in the physical sense — hard to bend
- Beginner My new job has flexible hours, so I can start early or late.
- In writing A flexible schedule let the team shift deadlines without derailing the whole project.
- Advanced The framework is deliberately flexible, bending to local needs rather than imposing a single rigid model.
'Flex' is in the word — think of flexing to bend and adapt.
Synonyms for Flexible
Antonyms for Flexible
Related words
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Words that rhyme with Flexible
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What does flexible mean?
Capable of adapting or changing to suit new or modified conditions or situations. It is an adjective.
How many syllables does flexible have?
Flexible breaks into 3 syllables — flehk·suh·buhl — when you say it aloud.
What part of speech is flexible?
Flexible works as an adjective. As a noun, it names a thing, idea, or concept.
What are synonyms for flexible?
You can often swap flexible for pliant, versatile, pliable, elastic, though each carries a slightly different shade of meaning.
How do you use flexible in a sentence?
Example: "This was a principle more flexible to their purpose. -Rogers."