1
gymnastics
jim-ˈna-stiks 
plural in form but singular in construction
plural in form but singular in construction
a
: physical exercises designed to develop strength and coordination
b
: a competitive sport in which individuals perform optional and prescribed acrobatic feats mostly on special apparatus in order to demonstrate strength, balance, and body control
2
: an exercise in intellectual or artistic dexterity
my earlier philosophic study had been an intellectual gymnastic—
John Dewey
John Deweymental gymnastics
3
: a physical feat or contortion
the gymnastics necessary for the killer to have swung from the fire escape—E. D. Radin
E. D. RadinExamples of gymnastic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Danny Bakst, Fortune, 13 July 2025
Dunne posted a video of herself watching a montage of her gymnastic career, which included footage from her toddler days and even her LSU acceptance.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Scott Hozebin, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Meanwhile, about the only argument that Trump supporters are making for the positive effects of tariffs — the fact that container traffic at the Port of Los Angeles set a monthly record in June — requires mental gymnastics.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gymnastic
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Adjective
The fish-eating raptor known for gymnastic dives and whistle-like chirps is an American conservation success story.
—Danny Bakst, Fortune, 13 July 2025
Dunne posted a video of herself watching a montage of her gymnastic career, which included footage from her toddler days and even her LSU acceptance.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
Confusion Costs You When a salesperson has to do mental gymnastics or guesswork to calculate their commission, the system is broken.
—Scott Hozebin, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Meanwhile, about the only argument that Trump supporters are making for the positive effects of tariffs — the fact that container traffic at the Port of Los Angeles set a monthly record in June — requires mental gymnastics.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gymnastic
Cite this Entry
“Gymnastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gymnastic. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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