Synonyms of pliable

pliable

adjective

ˈplī-ə-bəl 

1

as in flexible

able to bend easily without breaking

the wooden strips become more pliable if they are first soaked in water

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flexible
• pliant
• plastic
• floppy
• supple
• limber
• willowy
• bendy
• adaptable
• malleable
• lithe
• elastic
• ductile
• modifiable
• lissome
• yielding
• lithesome
• variable
• fluid
• limp
• flaccid
• kneadable
• droopy
• semiflexible

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rigid
• stiff
• inflexible
• stiffened
• inelastic
• unyielding
• brittle
• fragile
• nonmalleable
• breakable

2

as in adjustable

capable of being readily changed

with such iffy weather, we had to keep our vacation schedule fairly pliable

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adjustable
• adaptable
• flexible
• malleable
• elastic
• changing
• alterable
• variable
• changeable
• versatile
• varying
• modifiable
• fluid
• unstable
• labile
• inconstant
• fluctuating
• unsteady

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inelastic
• fixed
• inflexible
• immutable
• unchangeable
• invariable
• unalterable
• established
• stable
• uniform
• set
• constant
• unadaptable
• steady
• nonmalleable
• ramrod
• unchanging
• unbudgeable
• unvarying

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

Recent Examples of pliable

News media industry leaders and other critics of the new policy said Hegseth’s real intent was to impede independent reporters while installing pliable pro-Trump content creators in place of the press corps. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 4 Dec. 2025

The strange pliable substance, which NASA said is not unlike used gum or soft plastic, was likely formed when our solar system was in its infancy. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

Justin Vernon’s midwestern charm and pliable falsetto has always endeared him to indie-rock dads raised on Michael McDonald, but starting a family himself between Bon Iver projects turned this year’s Sable, Fable into a deep examination of the fatherly adult contemporary figure in popular music. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025

As circulation improves, the tissues become more pliable, oxygen and nutrients reach the healing fibers more efficiently, and waste products are flushed out. —Jakob Roze, Health, 11 Nov. 2025