resilient

adjective

re·​sil·​ient ri-ˈzil-yənt How to pronounce resilient (audio)
: 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
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
Recent Examples on the Web The Mountain 600s have Vibram SPE midsoles made with natural rubber and EVA, designed to be both lightweight, comfortable, and resilient. Lauren Mazzo, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2024 The pandemic took its toll on entrepreneurial investors, but the immersives have proved to be globally resilient. Christopher Kuo, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 In recent memory, despite a recession, a pandemic, multiple wars, an addiction crisis, a health-care crisis, an immigration crisis, we are told that the union is chugging along because Americans are resilient. Robin Givhan, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 Groups open to affiliates are especially resilient unless the trust among the criminals is broken, said Chris Krebs, former head of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Democrat-Gazette Staff and Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 2 Mar. 2024 This thinking is critical not only for attaining gender equity but also for developing introspective, resilient leaders who are prepared to face the challenges of the modern world. Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Making lakes more resilient is key The timing mismatch is not always a problem year-to-year, Feiner said, because adult walleye can always spawn again the next year when the conditions may be better and the fry may have a better chance of surviving. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2024 Profile: Bella is known as a one-eyed wonder who is resilient, playful and curious. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2024 This resilience starts with resilient leadership teams. Dr. Tracy Cocivera, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'resilient.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin resilient-, resiliens, present participle of resilire to jump back, recoil, from re- + salire to leap — more at sally

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of resilient was in 1674

Dictionary Entries Near resilient

Cite this Entry

“Resilient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resilient. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

resilient

adjective
re·​sil·​ient ri-ˈzil-yənt How to pronounce resilient (audio)
: characterized or marked by resilience
resiliently adverb
Etymology

from Latin resilient-, resiliens, present participle of resilire "to jump back, rebound," from re- "back, again" and salire "to leap, spring" — related to assault, insult, somersault

Medical Definition

resilient

adjective
re·​sil·​ient -yənt How to pronounce resilient (audio)
: characterized or marked by resilience

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