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

Derived Forms

• ˈpliably, adverb
• ˌpliaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• pli·a·bil·i·ty [plahy-, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], pli·a·ble·ness noun
• pli·a·bly adverb
• non·pli·a·ble adjective
• non·pli·a·bly adverb
• un·pli·a·ble adjective
• un·pli·a·bly 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

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

Shielding Harris from scrutiny could also have serious consequences when, unprotected by a teleprompter or a pliable press corps, she produces one of her signature word salads.

From Los Angeles Times

And anyone who compares a copper wire with a steel coat hanger will quickly discern that copper is much more pliable than steel.

From Science Daily

And because it was so pliable, as Black people do and Black culture does, we can repurpose.

From Salon

Related Words

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