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 Then science kicks in, with molecules in the steak’s fat making the tannins more pliable, producing softer, smoother sensations, while the wine’s tannins mellow out the fat and coax more flavor out of the meat. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2025 Flint The cellulose also underpins a more versatile, pliable battery structure, allowing Flint to make batteries in different forms. New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025 Use the pliable tube for neck support, lumbar support, or even as a footrest on the plane. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2025 Heat makes muscles more pliable, which reduces the risk of muscle injuries. Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pliable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pliable
Adjective
  • The ragtag group joins together under the watchful eye of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), a morally flexible private-sector spook who has been named the head of the CIA in the new film.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Want a new career that’s higher-paying, more flexible or fulfilling?
    Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The 19 Best White Hydrangeas for Your Garden The 12 Best Pruning Shears to Keep Your Garden in Check In early spring, hydrangea produce fresh, slightly pliant new growth known as softwood, which make excellent cuttings for propagating.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Political parties have been dissolved by a pliant judiciary.
    Sun Narin, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Long-Term Resilience Prioritizing upskilling prepares you for a resilient future with adaptable employees ready to take on evolving roles.
    Danny Asnani, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The aim is to inform scalable or adaptable long-term strategies, not to establish a permanent program, the authority said.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And a third category were boxes outfitted with plastic plants, perhaps signaling absentee owners or landlords who seek to simulate care.
    Sonja Dümpelmann, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The wireless charging pad for mobile devices is now capable of 15 W, and the much-disliked capacitive multifunction steering wheel has been replaced by a wheel with plastic buttons.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pliable. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pliable

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