Synonyms of pliable

pliable

adjective

ˈplī-ə-bəl 

1

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

• flexible
• pliant
• plastic
• floppy
• supple
• limber
• willowy
• bendy
• adaptable
• lissom
• malleable
• lithe
• elastic
• modifiable
• ductile
• lissome
• yielding
• lithesome
• variable
• fluid
• limp
• flaccid
• kneadable
• droopy
• semiflexible

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rigid
• stiff
• inflexible
• stiffened
• inelastic
• unyielding
• brittle
• fragile
• nonmalleable
• breakable

2

as in adjustable

capable of being readily changed

with such iffy weather, we had to keep our vacation schedule fairly pliable

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adjustable
• adaptable
• flexible
• malleable
• elastic
• changing
• alterable
• variable
• changeable
• versatile
• varying
• modifiable
• fluid
• unstable
• labile
• inconstant
• fluctuating
• unsteady

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inelastic
• fixed
• inflexible
• immutable
• unchangeable
• invariable
• unalterable
• established
• stable
• uniform
• set
• constant
• unadaptable
• steady
• nonmalleable
• ramrod
• unchanging
• unbudgeable
• unvarying

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

Recent Examples of pliable

The binding is exceptionally pliable and pressable for creative freestyle riding thanks to an overall mid-soft flex and asymmetrical, bare-bones baseplate that adds significant torsional range of motion. —Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 11 Oct. 2024

Remember, your baby’s kneecaps are made of pliable and soft cartilage for a reason. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 30 July 2024

By the late 1980s, however, Saudi employers were longing for a cheaper and more pliable source of labor and began searching for an alternative labor pool to replace the Yemeni workforce. —Asher Orkaby, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2021

Beyond that, only the top of Farrell’ ears and hands were his own, every other part of the actor was covered by pliable prosthetics that moved with his muscles and skin. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 20 Sep. 2024