pliable

pli·able

adj \ˈplī-ə-bəl\

Definition of PLIABLE

1

a : supple enough to bend freely or repeatedly without breaking b : yielding readily to others : complaisant

2

: adjustable to varying conditions

— pli·abil·i·ty \ˌplī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— pli·able·ness \ˈplī-ə-bəl-nəs\ noun

— pli·ably \-blē\ adverb

Examples of PLIABLE

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

Origin of PLIABLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from plier to bend, fold — more at ply

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PLIABLE

Synonyms: bendy [chiefly British], flexible, limber, lissome (also lissom), lithe, lithesome, willowy, pliant, supple

Antonyms: inflexible, rigid, stiff, stiffened

Related Words: adaptable, ductile, elastic, fluid, kneadable, malleable, modifiable, plastic, variable, yielding; droopy, flaccid, floppy, limp; semiflexible

Near Antonyms: inelastic, nonmalleable, unyielding; breakable, brittle, fragile

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at plastic

Rhymes with PLIABLE

dryable, dyeable, flyable, friable, liable, triable, viable