Synonyms ofpliant

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pliant

adjective

ˈplī-ənt

Definition ofpliant next

as inflexible

able to bend easily without breakingapliant branch bent low with the weight of ripe fruit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjectivepliant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms ofpliant areadaptable,ductile,malleable,plastic, andpliable. 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 apliant sole

When is it sensible to useadaptable instead ofpliant?

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

computer hardware that isadaptable

Where wouldductile be a reasonable alternative topliant?

The synonymsductile andpliant are sometimes interchangeable, butductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

When couldmalleable be used to replacepliant?

Although the wordsmalleable andpliant have much in common,malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

themalleable properties of gold

When wouldplastic be a good substitute forpliant?

In some situations, the wordsplastic andpliant 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 ispliable a more appropriate choice thanpliant?

The wordspliable andpliant can be used in similar contexts, butpliable 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 ofpliantBy aligning with these groups, Iran could build a network of loyalist forces and proxies to sustain its influence in Syria even in the absence of apliant ruling regime.—

Hamidreza Azizi,Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2024Starchy potato and lots of powdered sugar come together to form apliant dough that's rolled up with sugary peanut butter.—

Catherine Jessee,Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2024Uninfected cysts are typically painless to the touch, whereas boils are morepliant and painful.—

Mark Gurarie,Health, 6 Dec. 2024But time has not dimmed the wattage of his recall for shenanigans having to do withpliant jury members and bags of francs.—

Steven Gaydos,Variety, 27 Nov. 2024See All Example Sentences forpliant

Recent Examples of Synonyms forpliant

Adjective

Dynamic governance models areflexibleand responsive, with mechanisms for regular updates, feedback loops and continuous improvement.
— John M. Bremen,Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Want a new career that’s higher-paying, moreflexibleor fulfilling?
— Celia Fernandez,CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025

Definition offlexible

Adjective

Every seam, hole, etc. was sealed with a gasket or with a special acoustic caulk that stayspliablefor decades.
— Tim Carter,Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2025
Place lasagna noodles in a 9- x 13- inch baking dish; cover with hot or boiling water to submerge and set aside to soak until noodles arepliable, about 30 minutes, agitating noodles occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
— Nicole Hopper,Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025

Definition ofpliable

Adjective

And a third category were boxes outfitted withplasticplants, perhaps signaling absentee owners or landlords who seek to simulate care.
— Sonja Dümpelmann,The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
The wireless charging pad for mobile devices is now capable of 15 W, and the much-disliked capacitive multifunction steering wheel has been replaced by a wheel withplasticbuttons.
— ArsTechnica,ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2025