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

Examples 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 Balsam firs are more pliable than other types of evergreen trees, which helps fit the tree through the door at the state Capitol, which is only 52 inches wide. —

Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 5 Dec. 2024 Look for fresh branches that have a strong fragrance and pliable needles. —

Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024 The soft, pliable leather offered great structure, and the fit felt secure around the foot with only slight heel movement. —

Samson McDougall, Health, 30 Oct. 2024 The shoe also has a new, more pliable and comfortable mesh upper and midsole foam that’s approximately 8 percent lighter and, Asics says, has an 8.2 percent better energy return over the previous model. —

Cory Smith, Outside Online, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pliable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pliable

Adjective

The new manta-robot has a body made of silicone and flexible wings that move exactly like those of a manta ray.

Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 31 Dec. 2024
To address this challenge, Chinese defense experts have proposed that China’s military culture must become comfortable with decentralized and flexible operations.

Sam Bresnick, Foreign Affairs, 31 Dec. 2024