pliant

adjective

pli·​ant ˈplī-ənt 

1

: pliable sense 1a

2

: easily influenced : yielding

3

: suitable for varied uses

pliantly adverb

pliantness noun

Synonyms

• bendy [chiefly British]
• flexible
• limber
• lissome
• lissom
• lithe
• lithesome
• pliable
• supple
• willowy

Choose the Right Synonym for pliant

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 pliant in a Sentence

a pliant Congress that will do whatever the President wants

a pliant branch bent low with the weight of ripe fruit

Recent Examples on the Web

Fredrik Gran is the robot motion artist and also invented wonderfully pliant robot hands that are good for cello bows and fingerboards. —Jaron Lanier, WIRED, 10 Dec. 2024

Uninfected cysts are typically painless to the touch, whereas boils are more pliant and painful. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 6 Dec. 2024

The prime minister may not be able to sustain this image forever, despite the good marketing and pliant press. —Rohit Lamba, Foreign Affairs, 28 May 2024

But time has not dimmed the wattage of his recall for shenanigans having to do with pliant jury members and bags of francs. —Steven Gaydos, Variety, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pliaunt, borrowed from Anglo-French pliant, plyaunt "able to be bent or folded, obedient, compliant," from present participle of plier "to fold, bend" — more at ply entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pliant

adjective

pli·​ant ˈplī-ənt 

1

: pliable sense 1, flexible

pliant willow twigs

2

: pliable sense 2, yielding

3

: adjusting to changing conditions : adaptable

pliantly adverb