Pliant
hardNeutral tonePLY-ent
adjective
Definition
Easily bent; flexible; or easily influenced
Memory hook
PLIANT like PLIERS — pliers bend things easily. A pliant person bends to others' wishes.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The pliant branches swayed gracefully in the breeze.”
“He was too pliant, always agreeing with the last person who spoke.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ branches swayed gracefully in the breeze.”
Show answer
pliant
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Pliant is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "flexible" or "malleable" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "rigid".
Related GRE Words
pliable
Easily bent or shaped; flexible and adaptable
versatile
Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities
tractable
easily managed, controlled, or shaped
banal
So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring
compliant
inclined to agree with others or obey rules; submissive
malleable
Easily influenced or changed; adaptable
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