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 After all, the alternative of Joe Biden and later Kamala Harris was still seen to them as less desirable than Trump—who proved pretty pliable on the global stage during his first term. Philip Elliott, Time, 17 June 2025 The wrappers need to be soaked one at a time in water for about 10 seconds, until pliable. Lizzy Briskin, SELF, 2 May 2025 The calf’s dorsal fin and tail flukes are also pliable and lack firmness, but will gradually stiffen in a few days. Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025 This pliable attitude toward time can provide a welcome change in life. Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pliable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pliable
Adjective
  • Compared to most other garden crops, carrots are relatively flexible about their lighting needs and grow in either full or part sun locations.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2025
  • This entails the focus on more flexible work arrangements and challenges the more deeply rooted traditional relationships between employees and employers.
    Bankim Chandra, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • Prioritize Collaboration With Regulators And System Adaptability Collaborate early with regulators and build flexible, adaptable systems, so teams can respond to change without slowing down.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Osbourne, who died on Tuesday at 76, became a more multifaceted and adaptable thinker than early observers would’ve guessed.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • See, 'cause unlike real living grass, plastic grass never needs mowing, watering, fertilizing, or spraying for weeds.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 30 July 2025
  • Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Jared Gray, 25, in June after investigators discovered his fingerprint on the bottom of a plastic cup inside the vehicle where Vega’s body was found, according to court records.
    Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pliable. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pliable

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