pliable

adjective pli·able \ˈplī-ə-bəl\

: able to bend, fold, or twist easily

: too easily influenced or controlled by other people

Full Definition of PLIABLE

a : supple enough to bend freely or repeatedly without breaking

b : yielding readily to others : complaisant

: adjustable to varying conditions

— pli·abil·i·ty \ˌplī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— pli·able·ness \ˈplī-ə-bəl-nəs\ noun

— pli·ably \-blē\ adverb

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Origin of PLIABLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from plier to bend, fold — more at ply

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PLIABLE

Synonyms: bendy [chiefly British], flexible, limber, lissome (also lissom), lithe, lithesome, willowy, pliant, supple

Antonyms: inflexible, rigid, stiff, stiffened

Synonym Discussion of PLIABLE

plastic, pliable, pliant, ductile, malleable, adaptable mean susceptible of being modified in form or nature. 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>. pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated <pliable rubber tubing>. pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness <an athletic shoe with a pliant sole>. ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease <ductile metals such as copper>. malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape <the malleable properties of gold>. adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses <computer hardware that is adaptable>.