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 This causes the eardrum, a thin, pliable membrane, to stretch. Melissa Willets, Parents, 3 Sep. 2025 In fact, because soles are pliable and lack structure, they’re not intended to be worn outdoors. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025 Hamilton sacrificed for the franchise by acquiescing to Zach Orr's desire to move him around as a pliable defensive chess piece. Andrew Hughes, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025 The cream cheese should keep the dough pliable with a Play-Doh–like consistency. Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pliable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pliable
Adjective
  • The refrigerated deliveries are flexible based on your schedule and feature eco-friendly packaging.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Crops are left unharvested in response to market conditions, but they could be marketed with connections to more flexible buyers.
    Ivanka Trump, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • CFMoto has given the naked a custom subframe, gullwing-style swingarm, and KYB suspension, which includes 41 mm upside-down forks and a monoshock – both of which are adjustable.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This Amazon version features the same suede leather construction, adjustable metal buckle straps, and non-slip outsole, along with a cork footbed with a deep heel cup for lightweight cushioning and arch support.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This led Liu to wonder if these pliant electronics might keep up with the mutable nature of embryonic brains.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 11 June 2025
  • Japan hasn’t been as pliant as Trump seemed to expect.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • The company pointed out that the integration of laser systems on the lightweight, highly mobile ISV platform reflects a commitment to scalable, adaptable, and expeditionary force protection solutions.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Samsung's success has shown that foldables are a functional evolution of mobile hardware—one that turns the phone into an adaptable tool able to transition from compact to expansive, depending on the task at hand.
    Mark Vena, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • An in-person visit with the singer was leaked on social media in January 2024 where the pair shared an intimate moment through a plastic divider.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Each cell had two toilets and two small tanks of water, for washing and drinking; each man was given a plastic cup and a quarter of a bar of soap.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pliable. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pliable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!