pliable

adjective

pli·​able ˈplī-ə-bəl 

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 

noun

pliableness

ˈplī-ə-bəl-nəs 

noun

pliably

ˈplī-ə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• bendy [chiefly British]
• flexible
• limber
• lissome
• lissom
• lithe
• lithesome
• pliant
• supple
• willowy

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adding water to your hands will help make the dough more pliable. —Michelle Gross, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2024

Besides static stretching, other practices like yoga, pilates and strength training can help keep you pliable well into your golden years. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2024

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

Kids Definition

pliable

adjective

pli·​able ˈplī-ə-bəl 

1

: possible to bend without breaking

2

: easily influenced

pliability

ˌplī-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun