PLIABLE Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

pliable

adjective

ˈplī-ə-bəl

Definition of pliable next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in adjustable

capable of being readily changed with such iffy weather, we had to keep our vacation schedule fairly pliable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Store with wax paper: Even when cooled, these cookies remain a little soft and pliable. —

Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2024 The pliable texture is the result of the island’s humidity, but the softness is a feature not a bug, increasing the many ways that it can be enjoyed. —

Sofia Perez, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 The crust should be crispy but still pliable, the cheese melted but not burned. —

Saahil Desai, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024 Remove dough from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature until pliable, about 10 minutes. —

Liv Dansky, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pliable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pliable

Adjective

Traditional curbside recycling systems cannot process most beauty packaging due to design, which is often too small, too flexible or made of too many different material types.

— Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 5 Feb. 2025
Programs such as the Military Spouse Preference program and the Military Spouse Employment Partnership could offer pathways to secure employment with remote or flexible options.

— Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025