<p>Magnetorheological fluids (MRFs) are functional materials whose flow properties are altered in the presence of a magnetic field. As the magnetic particles are dispersed in a liquid, upon the application of a magnetic field, MRF particles quickly form chain structures exhibiting enhanced viscosity. While MRF chain strength is commonly understood using yield stress, in this work, MRFs are studied through the lens of viscoelasticity. We explore the relationship of MRF viscoelastic behavior, i.e., modulus and creep-recovery behavior, with and without polymeric bead additives. While modulus data shows that magnetic particle concentration plays a significant role in elasticity, creep-recovery suggests that applied stress also significantly determines MRF viscoelasticity. MRF chain strength is shown to be highly dependent on operating parameters. Viscoelastic bead additives enabled MRF chains to deform without altering the chain strength. Results demonstrate the change in elastic behavior/deformation, as a function of MRF + additive concentration and applied field.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>