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 But for many, Jimmy Kimmel’s cancellation is ringing fascism alarm bells for the first time, and bringing into focus just how eagerly pliable many Americans are. James Folta september 19, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025 The silky gel gets along with every curl type (our testers ranged from 2A to 3C), encasing spirals of all patterns in a pliable cast that helps keep them buoyant. Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025 The resulting pollen is as pliable as Play-Doh, says Shahrudin Ibrahim, a research fellow in Cho’s lab who helped to develop the technique. Sandy Ong, JSTOR Daily, 11 Sep. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for pliable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pliable
Adjective
  • There’s no question that the younger generation has brought their own approach to office life—prioritizing mental health, flexible scheduling, and work-life balance—and are even getting fired for not knowing how to act workplace-appropriate.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Its model favors small and midsize creators, offering quick setup, flexible operations, and space for experimentation.
    Essie Assibu, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The lightweight skeleton chassis, adjustable stock, and modular rails make long sessions more comfortable for expert marksmen.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
  • These adjustable boards also offer newfound flexibility, scalability, and investor security for independent gym proprietors, helping to turn smaller cities and even towns of fewer than 50,000 people into viable climbing markets.
    Kelli María Korducki, HubSpot, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ever since the company’s founder was pushed out and fled Russia in 2014 for resisting Kremlin demands and the company was handed over to Putin allies, VK has been more than pliant in cooperating with the state.
    Justin Sherman, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2025
  • As Perez wrote, Musk’s free-speech absolutism was a fiction perpetuated by a pliant media.
    Jacob Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Together, the two robots showcase the broad promise of soft magnetic actuator, ranging from minimally invasive healthcare to adaptable machines that can explore harsh environments.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Pumpkin is the season’s quiet powerhouse—earthy, velvety, and endlessly adaptable.
    The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The food court had a spread of pizza, hot dogs, and squares of sheet cake, a plastic fork planted neatly atop each.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Finally, wrap rolled up rugs in plastic and seal valuable clothing in tight plastic bags or bins.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pliable. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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