pliable

adjective

ˈplī-ə-bəl How to pronounce pliable (audio)
Definition of pliablenext
1
as in flexible
able to bend easily without breaking the wooden strips become more pliable if they are first soaked in water

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adjustable
capable of being readily changed with such iffy weather, we had to keep our vacation schedule fairly pliable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective pliable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pliable are adaptable, ductile, malleable, plastic, and pliant. While all these words mean "susceptible of being modified in form or nature," pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.

pliable rubber tubing

In what contexts can adaptable take the place of pliable?

The words adaptable and pliable can be used in similar contexts, but adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.

computer hardware that is adaptable

When would ductile be a good substitute for pliable?

The words ductile and pliable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

When might malleable be a better fit than pliable?

While in some cases nearly identical to pliable, malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

the malleable properties of gold

When can plastic be used instead of pliable?

Although the words plastic and pliable have much in common, plastic applies to substances soft enough to be molded yet capable of hardening into the desired fixed form.

plastic materials allow the sculptor greater freedom

When is pliant a more appropriate choice than pliable?

In some situations, the words pliant and pliable are roughly equivalent. However, pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness.

an athletic shoe with a pliant sole

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 pliable The calf’s dorsal fin and tail flukes are also pliable and lack firmness, but will gradually stiffen in a few days. —Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025 This pliable attitude toward time can provide a welcome change in life. —Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 That sparked her idea for something more durable — a lightweight, pliable silicone cup that could be used again and again. —Alexa St. John, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 That sparked her idea for something more durable – a lightweight, pliable silicone cup that could be used again and again. —Alexa St. John, Christian Science Monitor, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pliable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pliable
  1. flexible
  2. pliant
  3. adaptable
  4. plastic
Adjective
  • They are entitled to health, dental, vision, life and long-term care insurance, along with retirement plans and flexible spending accounts.
    — Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • Building Flexibility Into Your Estate Plan Revocable Living Trusts as Your Foundation A revocable living trust can serve as the cornerstone of flexible estate planning.
    — Patti Brennan, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of flexible
Adjective
  • Japan hasn’t been as pliant as Trump seemed to expect.
    — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Letz is a physically and emotionally pliant but also a verbose actor of great versatility, able to play a standard Second City dad and Chicag’ow type, but also a neurotic (lots of call for that in this show) and a dweeb and, well, whatever gets thrown his way.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Definition of pliant
Adjective
  • This shirt dress can easily be worn to a beachside dinner or as a poolside coverup, and shoppers love it for its smooth, breezy material, adaptable style, and relaxed yet stylish fit.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 July 2025
  • Instead, the future of the energy sector will be defined by adaptable innovation.
    — Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of adaptable
Adjective
  • The bash was aimed at reducing the huge amount of plastic garbage in the oceans.
    — Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 6 July 2025
  • Fitting plastic parts, like the phone’s back cover, tended to be done by hand.
    — Verne Kopytoff, Fortune, 5 July 2025
Definition of plastic

Browse Nearby Words

pliability
pliable
pliableness
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Cite this Entry

“Pliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pliable. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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