pliant adj. + Add to list US //ˈpɫaɪənt// UK //plˈaɪənt// pli·ant SynonymsEtymology Synonyms bendableductileelasticflexiblemalleableplasticpliabletensiletractilewaxyOriginOFRploiant→MEpliaunt→ENpliant From Middle English pliaunt, from Old French ploiant, present participle of ploiier (“to fold”).