pliable

1 of 2

adjective

pli·​able ˈplī-ə-bəl 

1

a

: supple enough to bend freely or repeatedly without breaking

b

: yielding readily to others : complaisant

takes advantage of her pliable parents

2

: adjustable to varying conditions

pliability

ˌplī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

pliableness

ˈplī-ə-bəl-nəs 

noun

pliably

ˈplī-ə-blē 

adverb

pliability

2 of 2

noun

pli·​a·​bil·​i·​ty ˌplīəˈbilətē 

-lətē, 

-i

: the quality or state of being pliable : flexibility, complaisance

the pliability of the metal

with his usual pliability, had yielded to their arguments

—T. B. Macaulay

their jocund pliability, their readiness to lend themselves to improper uses

—Norman Douglas

Synonyms of pliable

Adjective

• flexible
• pliant
• plastic

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

Adjective

Because the leather is pliable, it's easy to work with.

She sometimes takes advantage of her pliable parents.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But their game model is certainly less pliable to tournaments where teams have time to build attacking chemistry. — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

Their once pliable playthings are now embalmed, lifeless. — Theo Belci, Artforum, 2 June 2026

In his stead, the United States propped up the venal and repressive shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who proved to be a pliable ally readily serving its oil and armament interests. — Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026

Stems should be pliable and a lively green color. — Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, from plier "to fold, bend" + -able -able — more at ply entry 3

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for pliable

• classifiable
• justifiable
• modifiable
• notifiable
• satisfiable
• specifiable
• undeniable
• unreliable
• verifiable
• emulsifiable
• identifiable
• unclassifiable

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