What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
supple
Example
The leather was supple and easy to work with. [supple: adjective]
Example
She stretched her supple body before starting the dance routine. [supple: adjective]
Example
The supple branches of the tree swayed in the wind. [supple: adjective]
flexible
Example
The rubber hose was flexible and easy to maneuver. [flexible: adjective]
Example
He showed his flexible approach to problem-solving by considering multiple solutions. [flexible: adjective]
Example
The flexible plastic sheet could be molded into different shapes. [flexible: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flexible is more commonly used than supple in everyday language. Flexible is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while supple is less common and refers to a specific type of flexibility.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between supple and flexible?
Both supple and flexible can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but supple may be considered slightly more formal due to its less frequent usage in everyday language.