crossword clue flexible – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all the possible solutions and detailed explanations for the crossword clue "flexible". Whether you need a quick answer or want to understand the nuances, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "crossword clue flexible" by Letter Count
6 Letters
PLIANT: Easily bent, pliable, or adaptable. Often used to describe materials or even a person's disposition.
SUPPLE: Bending and moving easily and gracefully. This term often applies to physical flexibility, like a dancer's body or supple leather.
LISSOM: Thin, graceful, and elegant, often implying a natural ease of movement and flexibility, particularly in a person's body.
LIMBER: Lithe and flexible. Similar to supple, often used in the context of warming up for physical activity to become more flexible.
NIMBLE: Quick and light in movement or action; agile. While not directly meaning "flexible," it often implies a degree of physical dexterity that comes with flexibility.
7 Letters
ELASTIC: Able to return to its original shape or size after being stretched or squeezed. This term specifically highlights the ability to stretch and recoil.
9 Letters
ADAPTABLE: Able to adjust to new conditions and situations. This refers more to mental or situational flexibility rather than just physical bending.
MALLEABLE: Able to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape without breaking or cracking; easily influenced. Can apply to metals or a person's character.
VERSATILE: Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities. This suggests a broad range of capabilities and flexibility in application.
More About "crossword clue flexible"
The term "flexible" is a rich and versatile clue in the world of crosswords, often pointing to a wide array of synonyms depending on the context and required letter count. It can refer to physical properties, such as a material's ability to bend without breaking, or more abstract concepts like a person's openness to new ideas or a plan's capacity to change. Puzzlemakers love "flexible" because it allows for diverse interpretations, ranging from literal pliability to metaphorical adaptability.
When you encounter "flexible" as a clue, consider the adjacent letters and the overall theme of the puzzle. Is it a nature-themed puzzle? Then terms like PLIANT or SUPPLE might fit. Is it about human behavior or strategy? ADAPTABLE or MALLEABLE could be the key. Understanding these nuances is crucial for pinpointing the exact word the setter has in mind, making "flexible" a truly engaging and sometimes challenging clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by counting the available spaces in the grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for "flexible" immensely.
- Check Cross-References: Look at the intersecting words. If you have a few letters from a crossing word, they can provide strong hints for the correct "flexible" synonym.
- Consider the Context: Think about the puzzle's theme or the setter's typical style. Does the clue lean towards a literal physical flexibility or a more abstract interpretation?
- Brainstorm Synonyms: Once you know the letter count, brainstorm as many synonyms for "flexible" as you can think of that match that length.
- Use a Crossword Solver (Wisely): If you're truly stuck, use a solver like Crosswordanswer.co.uk. However, try to solve as much as you can independently first to improve your skills.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'flexible' usually imply in a crossword clue?
'Flexible' often refers to something that can bend easily, adapt to new situations, or is not rigid in its application. It can point to physical properties (like a material) or abstract qualities (like a plan or a person's attitude).
How can I distinguish between similar answers like 'pliant' and 'supple'?
While both mean 'flexible', 'pliant' often emphasizes being easily bent or yielding to pressure, sometimes with a connotation of being easily influenced. 'Supple' typically refers to graceful and easy movement, especially of a body or limb, often implying a natural ease and elegance in bending.
Are there common synonyms for 'flexible' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, beyond the answers listed, common synonyms include LIMBER, BENDY, PLIABLE, RESILIENT (in some contexts), ADAPTIVE, and ELASTIC. The specific answer depends heavily on the letter count and intersecting letters.