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

The Tesla board instantly executed the change of incorporation, which is evidently rooted in Musk’s conviction that Texas courts, which have little experience in adjudicating corporate governance issues, will be more pliant in his hands than the very experienced Delaware judiciary. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2024

With the help of a pliant Indian media and a fervently pro-government social media, there is little discussion about India’s China policy in the public sphere, never mind in Parliament. —Praveen Donthi, Foreign Affairs, 4 June 2024

His two top lieutenants are vying for his spot, but Trump may seek to handpick a more pliant acolyte to the powerful position. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2024

But thanks to a Florida judge evidently in Trump’s back pocket, the blundering of a Georgia prosecutor and a pliant U.S. Supreme Court, none of the ex-president’s other criminal cases are likely to reach a jury in time for a verdict before Nov. 5. —Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 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