resilient

adjective

ri-ˈzil-yənt How to pronounce resilient (audio)
Definition of resilientnext
as in flexible
able to revert to original size and shape after being stretched, squeezed, or twisted after being dipped in liquid nitrogen, the rubber ball's normally resilient surface is as brittle as ceramic

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective resilient contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of resilient are elastic, flexible, springy, and supple. While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

When could elastic be used to replace resilient?

The words elastic and resilient can be used in similar contexts, but elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

When is it sensible to use flexible instead of resilient?

While in some cases nearly identical to resilient, 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

When can springy be used instead of resilient?

The words springy and resilient are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When would supple be a good substitute for resilient?

While the synonyms supple and resilient are close in meaning, supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.

supple leather

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of resilient What this means for you For American homeowners, builders and communities, the Tapping project shows how 3D concrete printing could offer faster, cheaper and more resilient housing. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Confident, resilient, excited to bounce back for his team. —Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025 For much of this year, the job market appeared resilient, even as President Donald Trump’s tariffs were keeping inflation—and mortgage rates—elevated. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2025 Still, some sectors appear to be resilient: The health care industry, for instance, added 31,000 jobs last month. —Solcyré Burga, Time, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resilient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resilient
  1. flexible
  2. stretch
  3. plastic
Adjective
  • The refrigerated deliveries are flexible based on your schedule and feature eco-friendly packaging.
    — Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Crops are left unharvested in response to market conditions, but they could be marketed with connections to more flexible buyers.
    — Ivanka Trump, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of flexible
Adjective
  • The collection includes the straight-leg Teddy in rigid and stretch fabrics; the ’90s inspired Gus with a relaxed and slouchy fit; the Jackson, a barrel-leg jean with a V-waist; the Kyle, a stretch flare; and the Leo, a straight-meets-barrel silhouette with a high rise.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This lack of performance honesty hinders Black women from course-correcting or demonstrating readiness for stretch roles.
    — Gena Cox, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of stretch
Adjective
  • An in-person visit with the singer was leaked on social media in January 2024 where the pair shared an intimate moment through a plastic divider.
    — DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Each cell had two toilets and two small tanks of water, for washing and drinking; each man was given a plastic cup and a quarter of a bar of soap.
    — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of plastic

Browse Nearby Words

resilience
resilient
resist
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Cite this Entry

“Resilient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resilient. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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