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Definition of pliant

pliant

/ˈplaɪ.ənt/
pli · ant
Adverb:pliantly
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pliant Lexical Profile

pliant Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Easily bent or shaped without breaking; supple and flexible.

Example

"The basket weaver soaked the willow reeds in water until they became soft and pliant."

2

Easily influenced, persuaded, or directed by others; compliant or yielding.

Example

"The authoritarian leader surrounded himself with pliant advisors who rarely questioned his decisions."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for pliant

• Nearby Words

pliable
pliably
pliancy
pliant
pliantly
plier
pliers

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'pliant' ('bending, supple'), the present participle of 'plier' ('to fold, bend'), from Latin 'plicāre' ('to fold').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pliant. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pliant
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