1
a
: able to bend without breaking : flexible
a pliant [=(more commonly) pliable] material
b
: able to move freely
the dancer's pliant body
2
: too easily influenced or controlled by other people
a pliant Congress that will do whatever the President wants
a pliant wife/husband
Cite this Entry
“Pliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/pliant. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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