Supple: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used to describe something that is easily bendable and moves smoothly, often referring to materials like leather or a person's body.

• The dancer's movements were graceful and supple.
• She conditioned the leather until it was supple.

Used to describe something that can bend without breaking, applicable to both physical objects and abstract concepts like schedules or plans.

• The willow tree has flexible branches.
• Her work schedule is flexible.

Typically used to describe a person's body that is capable of moving easily and gracefully, often through training or exercise.

• Gymnasts are incredibly limber.
• She did stretches every morning to stay limber.

Describes something that is easily bendable or moldable, both in a physical and metaphorical sense, sometimes carrying a slightly negative connotation when referring to a person as being too easily influenced.

• The willow's branches are pliant.
• His pliant nature made him easily swayed by others.

Often used poetically or in a literary sense to describe graceful and agile physical movements, usually referring to a person's body.

• The lithe dancer moved across the stage.
• He admired her lithe figure.

Commonly used to describe something that can return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed, often referring to materials like fabric or rubber.

• The waistband of the pants is elastic.
• He has an elastic mind, quickly adapting to new ideas.

Used to describe something that is flexible, easily bendable, and graceful. Often used to describe physical characteristics such as a body or material.

• Her yoga practice made her body very supple.
• The leather of the glove was soft and supple.

Describes materials that can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking. Can also be used metaphorically to describe people who are easily influenced.

• Aluminum is a malleable metal often used in packaging.
• Children are more malleable and learn new languages faster.

Refers to something that is easily bent or shaped without breaking. Can be used for both materials and abstract concepts like a person's will or opinion.

• The carpenter selected a pliable wood for the project.
• Her opinions are pliable, and she often changes her mind.

Specifically refers to the ability of a material (usually metal) to be stretched into a thin wire or altered in shape without breaking.

• Copper is a very ductile metal, making it ideal for electrical wiring.
• Gold is ductile and can be shaped into very thin sheets.

Describes something that gives way under pressure or force. Can be used to describe materials or people who are accommodating and easygoing.

• The dough was soft and yielding under her hands.
• He is a yielding person, always agreeable to others' suggestions.