PLIANT Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'pliant' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pliant are adaptable , ductile , malleable , plastic , and pliable . While all these words mean "susceptible of being modified in form or nature," pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness. // an athletic shoe with a pliant sole

Q: When is it sensible to use 'adaptable' instead of 'pliant'?

While in some cases nearly identical to pliant , adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses. // computer hardware that is adaptable

Q: Where would 'ductile' be a reasonable alternative to 'pliant'?

The synonyms ductile and pliant are sometimes interchangeable, but ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease. // ductile metals such as copper

Q: When could 'malleable' be used to replace 'pliant'?

Although the words malleable and pliant have much in common, malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape. // the malleable properties of gold

Q: When would 'plastic' be a good substitute for 'pliant'?

In some situations, the words plastic and pliant are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'pliable' a more appropriate choice than 'pliant'?

The words pliable and pliant can be used in similar contexts, but pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated. // pliable rubber tubing

pliant

adjective

ˈplī-ənt

Definition of pliant next

as in flexible

able to bend easily without breaking a pliant branch bent low with the weight of ripe fruit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective pliant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pliant are adaptable, ductile, malleable, plastic, and pliable. While all these words mean "susceptible of being modified in form or nature," pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness.

an athletic shoe with a pliant sole

When is it sensible to use adaptable instead of pliant?

While in some cases nearly identical to pliant, adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.

computer hardware that is adaptable

Where would ductile be a reasonable alternative to pliant?

The synonyms ductile and pliant are sometimes interchangeable, but ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

When could malleable be used to replace pliant?

Although the words malleable and pliant have much in common, malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

the malleable properties of gold

When would plastic be a good substitute for pliant?

In some situations, the words plastic and pliant are roughly equivalent. However, 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 pliable a more appropriate choice than pliant?

The words pliable and pliant can be used in similar contexts, but pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.

pliable rubber tubing

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 pliant 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 See all Example Sentences for pliant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pliant

Adjective

Of course, some experts think CEOs should be a little more flexible.

— Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 24 Jan. 2025
Institutional players are prioritizing proptech companies that deliver scalability and operational efficiency, particularly in flexible workspaces or alternative housing. 2.

— Ilona Limonta-Volkova, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025