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 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 Perhaps best of all: The chocolate curls that are layered in, staying delicate and pliable. Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2025 These help keep arteries pliable, support healthy blood flow, and manage cholesterol levels. — MAGGIE MOON, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD Foods to Limit Aim to reduce or eliminate foods that raise the risk of heart disease. Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pliable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pliable
Adjective
  • Helping ease the housing shortage by increasing the supply of small, relatively affordable homes within established neighborhoods, ADUs help slow the rise in housing prices and provide flexible living arrangements for changing family needs.
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025
  • The real winners are those who combine strategy with smart systems, focus on value, and stay flexible as technology and markets change and evolve.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
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
Adjective
  • Be adaptable, as your plans with friends and loved ones may change on a whim.
    Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 24 June 2025
  • Native Americans also believed spiderwort to be a sign of strength and endurance, possibly because the plant is adaptable to different conditions, though not in my yard.
    Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Three days later, the girls’ bodies were discovered with plastic bags over their heads and their hands bound at Rock Island Campground, police said.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
  • The Chelan County Sheriff's Office reported a deputy found the girls lifeless with plastic bags over their heads and evidence that their hands had been zip-tied.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pliable. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pliable

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