pliable

adjective

pli·​able ˈplī-ə-bəl How to pronounce pliable (audio)
Synonyms of pliablenext
1
a
: supple enough to bend freely or repeatedly without breaking
b
: yielding readily to others : complaisant
2
: adjustable to varying conditions
pliability
ˌplī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce pliable (audio)
noun
pliableness
ˈplī-ə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce pliable (audio)
noun
pliably
ˈplī-ə-blē How to pronounce pliable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for pliable

plastic, pliable, pliant, ductile, malleable, adaptable mean susceptible of being modified in form or nature.

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

pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.

pliable rubber tubing

pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness.

an athletic shoe with a pliant sole

ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

the malleable properties of gold

adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.

computer hardware that is adaptable

Examples of pliable in a Sentence

Because the leather is pliable, it's easy to work with. She sometimes takes advantage of her pliable parents.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, from plier "to fold, bend" + -able -able — more at ply entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of pliable was in the 14th century

Rhymes for pliable

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Browse Nearby Words

plf
pliable
pliancy
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Cite this Entry

“Pliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pliable. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

pliable

adjective
pli·​able ˈplī-ə-bəl How to pronounce pliable (audio)
1
: possible to bend without breaking
2
: easily influenced
pliability
ˌplī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce pliable (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on pliable

Nglish: Translation of pliable for Spanish Speakers

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