Limber

Able to bend and move freely without stiffness.

Reach for it when describing physical flexibility in a person or body part

A careful warm-up kept the dancers limber between rehearsals.

• everyday

  loose

  muscles feel free of tension after warming up

  not when Loose can imply poor control or instability.

• warm

  nimble

  easy, quick movement is the useful quality

  not when Nimble can describe fingers or thinking without broad flexibility.

• professional

  agile

  quick coordinated movement matters

  not when Agility includes speed and control, not just flexibility.

• professional

  flexible

  range of motion is the measurable quality

  not when Flexible also describes plans and attitudes, while limber is usually bodily.

• literary

  lithe

  slender graceful movement suits the image

  not when Lithe describes appearance and movement more than joint mobility.

• literary

  supple

  smooth, graceful bending is being admired

  not when Supple can sound sensual or refer to materials.

• stiff
• rigid
• inflexible

• stay limber

  Gentle stretches helped the travelers stay limber.

• keep limber

  Swimmers keep limber with controlled shoulder movements.

• naturally limber

  The naturally limber child still learned safe technique first.