Synonyms of pliant

pliant

adjective

ˈplī-ənt 

as in flexible

able to bend easily without breaking

a pliant branch bent low with the weight of ripe fruit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective pliant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pliant are adaptable, ductile, malleable, plastic, and pliable. While all these words mean "susceptible of being modified in form or nature," pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness.

an athletic shoe with a pliant sole

When is it sensible to use adaptable instead of pliant?

While in some cases nearly identical to pliant, adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.

computer hardware that is adaptable

Where would ductile be a reasonable alternative to pliant?

The synonyms ductile and pliant are sometimes interchangeable, but ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

When could malleable be used to replace pliant?

Although the words malleable and pliant have much in common, malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

the malleable properties of gold

When would plastic be a good substitute for pliant?

In some situations, the words plastic and pliant are roughly equivalent. However, 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 pliable a more appropriate choice than pliant?

The words pliable and pliant can be used in similar contexts, but pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.

pliable rubber tubing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pliant

Japan hasn’t been as pliant as Trump seemed to expect. —William Pesek, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

Letz is a physically and emotionally pliant but also a verbose actor of great versatility, able to play a standard Second City dad and Chicag’ow type, but also a neurotic (lots of call for that in this show) and a dweeb and, well, whatever gets thrown his way. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025

Both sides were able to claim victory through their pliant national media. —Sushant Singh, Foreign Affairs, 29 Apr. 2025

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