pliable

[plahy-uh-buhl]

adjective

1. easily bent; flexible; supple.

   pliable leather.

2. easily influenced or persuaded; yielding.

   the pliable mind of youth.

3. adjusting readily to change; adaptable.

pliable

/ ˈplaɪəbəl /

adjective

1. easily moulded, bent, influenced, or altered

Other Word Forms

• pliability noun
• pliableness noun
• pliably adverb
• nonpliable adjective
• nonpliably adverb
• unpliable adjective
• unpliably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of pliable¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from French, equivalent to pli(er) “to fold, bend” ( ply ² ) + -able -able

Example Sentences

Canned crescent dough, improbably, was just right: pliable without tearing, sturdy without getting tough, and still capable of a respectable rise.

From Salon

A standard burger took ten seconds; the Snack Wrap required nearly a minute, with a 20-second steam step just to make the tortilla pliable.

From Salon

The higher butterfat content provides a richer flavor and creamier texture, while the slow-churned process makes the butter smoother and more pliable.

From Salon

Unlike eye surgery, which is common, operations aren’t often performed on the pliable bones and hair cell receptors of the middle ear, the source of natural hearing.

From Salon

Chimpanzees live a long time, but like us, they are only cute and pliable for a relatively few years.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• docile 
• flexible 
• limber 
• malleable 
• manageable 
• pliant 
• spongy 
• supple