1
as in unsubstantial
being of a material lacking in sturdiness or substance
a flimsy scarf that was more for decoration than for warmth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unlikely
not likely to be true or to occur
"The check is in the mail" is a pretty flimsy and tired excuse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 flimsy
In Santa Barbara, for instance, there isn’t a law requiring seismic retrofit of apartment buildings with a flimsy ground floor — often held up above a carport or garage.
—
Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
The problem with the Columbus-was-a-Jew theory isn’t just that it’s based on flimsy evidence.
—Flora Cassen, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
The 13-inch Laptop does make some welcome upgrades—a backlit keyboard, a somewhat larger and higher-resolution display panel—but its aluminum body feels slightly softer and flimsier than what the main Surface Laptop uses.
—ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
Back then, traveling meant paying close attention to the roads, road signs, mile markers and more, all while wrestling with the flimsy paper map.
—Jason Foodman, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for flimsy
Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
The problem with the Columbus-was-a-Jew theory isn’t just that it’s based on flimsy evidence.
—Flora Cassen, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
The 13-inch Laptop does make some welcome upgrades—a backlit keyboard, a somewhat larger and higher-resolution display panel—but its aluminum body feels slightly softer and flimsier than what the main Surface Laptop uses.
—ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
Back then, traveling meant paying close attention to the roads, road signs, mile markers and more, all while wrestling with the flimsy paper map.
—Jason Foodman, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for flimsy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flimsy
Adjective
-
The hit isn’t unsubstantial: In 2024, textile exports to the United States accounted for 10.7 percent of China’s total textile exports, valued at $14.8 billion, and 22.7 percent of China’s total apparel exports, or $36.1 billion’s worth.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
5 May 2025
-
The algorithm fed the Giants pitcher a savory yet unsubstantial diet of short-form content.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
So worst-case would be a fifth-place finish, which is unlikely.—
Mark Hughes,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Trump is unlikely to allow India’s policy toward Ukraine to determine the future of a U.S.-India deal or a thaw in trade tensions, for example, and likewise with China.—
Thomas Wright,
The Atlantic,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Vague green claims won’t cut it anymore, as evidenced by a 2020 study from the European Commission, which found over half of environmental claims were insubstantial, misleading or unfounded.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
2 July 2025
-
After speaking to my physician colleagues and hearing their earnest frustrations, there’s no doubt in my mind that the system needs reform and the association’s proposals—which are not insubstantial and would address many of the problems —are a great place to start.—
Sachin H. Jain,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
During the chandelier's cleaning process, the office said workers wear gloves to minimize human contact and ensure its integrity is not jeopardized because it is made up of soft and fragile materials.—
Keelin Fisher,
Arkansas Online,
21 July 2025
-
Real grasscloth wallpaper, made from natural fibers like jute or seagrass, is extremely fragile and sensitive to moisture, paste, and pressure.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 July 2025
Adjective
-
No matter how far-fetched the premise or gossamer-thin the story, the musical invites (compels) us to go along with its essential surrealism, to travel to that dream space where everyday life suddenly moves and sounds deliriously out of this world.—
Manohla Dargis,
New York Times,
7 May 2020
-
For her label Anissa Aida, designer Anissa Meddeb, who lives in the capital, makes gossamer silk blouses evoking the striped motif of handwoven fouta towels and voluminous coats inspired by the burnoose cloaks worn by Berbers.—
Sarah Khan,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Feb. 2020
Adjective
-
Kerry Washington Kerry Washington looked chic in a baby pink ensemble that played to our love of textures, pairing a high-neck, lace top with a gauzy skirt embellished with pink pearls over a shiny skirt.—
Erin Jensen,
USA TODAY,
23 Feb. 2025
-
There’s a nostalgic maximalism to its designs, which are usually gauzy pastel pinks, blues, and whites; covered in ditsy prints like rosebuds, daisies, and strawberries; and detailed with flourishes like ruffles and bows.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The sheer number of workers who are undocumented immigrants make the effect of widespread raids more pronounced.—
Marissa Meador,
IndyStar,
21 July 2025
-
In a picture at a piano, Alexa wore a pink, sheer dress that opened at her stomach, signifying that the couple was expecting a girl.—
Hannah Sacks,
People.com,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Tasters enjoyed Canada Dry’s balance of flavors, noting that its delicate citrus played well with a sharp bitter note on the back of their tongues.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 July 2025
-
For instance, delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or linen will likely have different washing requirements than white cotton garments.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flimsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flimsy. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share