pliable

adjective

pli·​able ˈplī-ə-bəl How to pronounce pliable (audio)
1
a
: supple enough to bend freely or repeatedly without breaking
b
: yielding readily to others : complaisant
2
: adjustable to varying conditions
pliability noun
pliableness noun
pliably adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for pliable

plastic, pliable, pliant, ductile, malleable, adaptable mean susceptible of being modified in form or nature.

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

pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.

pliable rubber tubing

pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness.

an athletic shoe with a pliant sole

ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

the malleable properties of gold

adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.

computer hardware that is adaptable

Examples of pliable in a Sentence

Because the leather is pliable, it's easy to work with. She sometimes takes advantage of her pliable parents.
Recent Examples on the Web The brand is known for its pliable, soft fit and high-waist options. Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2024 Berkley PowerBait Panfish Nibbles offer a pliable synthetic bait infused with scents formulated to stimulate feeding. David A. Brown, Field & Stream, 28 Feb. 2024 Flattened out from a pliable brick, the icing resembles pie dough as it’s held aloft before being draped, in one fraught move, over a bare cake. Zoey Poll Katja Mayer, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2024 To make tang yuan, glutinous flour is mixed with oil and water to form a supple, pliable dough. Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2024 Step 4 Assemble the spring rolls: In a wide bowl of hot water, soak one wrapper until pliable, 15–30 seconds. Saveur Editors, Saveur, 25 Jan. 2024 The type of phthalate found is commonly known as plasticizer, which is meant to make plastic more pliable. Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 8 Jan. 2024 Instructions Step 1 In a large bowl of hot water, soak the cellophane noodles until soft and pliable, about 20 minutes. Saveur Editors, Saveur, 25 Jan. 2024 Liquid is fluid; its meaning is pliable, even when applied to the rigidity of ritual. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pliable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, from plier "to fold, bend" + -able -able — more at ply entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of pliable was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near pliable

Cite this Entry

“Pliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pliable. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pliable

adjective
pli·​able ˈplī-ə-bəl How to pronounce pliable (audio)
1
: possible to bend without breaking
2
: easily influenced
pliability noun

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!