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 Some might go so far as to suggest that Ufotable’s work approaches the pinnacle of what animation can achieve this decade, tapping into that infinite potential of cinema’s most pliable medium (your mileage will vary). David Opie, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025 The warm cookies, pliable for only a few seconds, are hand-folded with a hypnotic rhythm. Maggie Downs, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025 This actually perfect pie crust is very, very pliable. Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025 This causes the eardrum, a thin, pliable membrane, to stretch. Melissa Willets, Parents, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pliable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pliable
Adjective
  • The vacuum's flexible neck made cleaning under chairs, the couch, and around tight corners simple.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Mini muffins and cupcakes are a classic, and this flexible silicone pan makes a convenient option for batch baking.
    Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Dream Pairs Mary Janes with Velcro Ankle Straps Stylish yet practical, these Mary Janes are designed with an adjustable hook-and-loop closure and non-slip outsoles with a subtle heel.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Cacoe Phone Lanyard Neck Strap 2-pack The Cacoe adjustable phone lanyard is one of those clever, low-key safety tools that feels tailored for travel.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As Perez wrote, Musk’s free-speech absolutism was a fiction perpetuated by a pliant media.
    Jacob Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Accusations of Russian interference Ahead of the election, Sandu accused Russia of attempting to sway the vote to install a government more pliant to Moscow through a vast disinformation campaign.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • By sidestepping the fragile transfer process and enabling direct fabrication on liquid, Xu’s method could transform how scientists design lightweight, adaptable technologies across multiple fields.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The body is incredibly adaptable in both directions, good and bad.
    Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Plastic is made of petrochemicals, and petrochemical companies are increasing their plastic outputs to make up for lower sales of oil and gas.
    Matt Fuchs, Time, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Cover the area with a layer of clear plastic sheeting.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pliable. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pliable

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