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

A coalition of parties considered pliable to the powerful military formed a government after Pakistan's February 2024 elections, in which Khan -- the nation's most popular politician -- was jailed and barred from running.

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Eventually, it becomes pliable enough to pick off ground balls.

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

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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.

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

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Related Words

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