Abstract: We performed experiments involving indentation-retraction/relaxation to observe the viscoelastic properties of epithelial cells undergoing shape alterations. MDCK II cells cultured on flexible polydimethylsiloxane substrates underwent lateral stretching, resulting in increased cortex contractility and reduced excess surface area. Consequently, cells maintained their fluidity but became inherently stiffer. This behavior was consistent across demixed cell monolayers of ZO-1/2 double knockdown (dKD) cells, cells exposed to varying temperatures, and following cholesterol removal from the plasma membrane. Conversely, individually tested cells adhered to differently sized patches showed no significant rheological changes. By sacrificing excess surface area, cells gained the ability to respond to mechanical challenges without compromising their fluidity, thus acquiring newfound flexibility that elucidates the fluidity-stiffness relationship.