plastic

noun

plas·tic | \ ˈpla-stik

Definition of plastic

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a plastic substance specifically : any of numerous organic synthetic or processed materials that are mostly thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers of high molecular weight and that can be made into objects, films, or filaments

2 : credit cards used for payment

— called also plastic money

plastic

adjective

Definition of plastic (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : made or consisting of a plastic

2 : having a quality suggestive of mass-produced plastic goods especially : artificial sense 3 plastic smiles

3a : capable of being molded or modeled plastic clay

b : capable of adapting to varying conditions : pliable ecologically plastic animals

4 : capable of being deformed continuously and permanently in any direction without rupture

5 : relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting neural plasticity

6 : of, relating to, or involving plastic surgery

7 : formative, creative plastic forces in nature

8 : sculptural

-plastic

adjective combining form

Definition of -plastic (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : developing : forming thromboplastic

2 : of or relating to (something designated by a term ending in -plasm, -plast, -plasty, or -plasy) homoplastic neoplastic

Other Words from plastic Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About plastic

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Synonyms for plastic

Synonyms: Adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for plastic

Adjective

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

Examples of plastic in a Sentence

Noun The toy was made of plastic. a company that manufactures plastics She used plastic to pay for her new computer. Adjective Silly Putty is famous for being very plastic. there's usually a plastic cordiality at these corporate events

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The facility has earned the highest rating from the U.S. Green Building Council, thanks to low-flow water systems, construction materials made from post-consumer plastic, and other environmentally friendly features. — Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2021 Mattel is launching a new line of Barbies made from plastic that would otherwise become ocean waste. — Ashley Strickland, CNN, 12 June 2021 These new staff uniforms – celebrating 45 years of the company — are completely constructed from recycled plastic as part of Club Med’s continuing commitment to a sustainable approach to tourism. — Debbi Kickham, Forbes, 11 June 2021 The flip-up cover design is made from tough, weather-resistant plastic that includes a UV additive to protect against sunlight. — Chris Hachey, BGR, 10 June 2021 It’s made from plastic that’s tough enough to stand on with lids that lock tight. — Graham Averill, Outside Online, 1 June 2021 Trigo, however, recommends EarthBox growing systems — rectangular boxes made from food-safe plastic that hold 2 cubic feet of soil and use a wicking system in the bottom to water the plants. — Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2021 The leaves are crafted from UV-resistant and waterproof plastic for outdoor use. — Daria Smith, Southern Living, 14 May 2021 Lu wrapped a favorite bench in parafilm, a plastic used in labs, as if to protect a relic of community gatherings. — BostonGlobe.com, 11 May 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective His body was also found on Daybell's property, wrapped in plastic bags and duct tape. — Ryan W. Miller, USA TODAY, 26 May 2021 State and municipal governments have had success in banning certain items like plastic grocery bags, foam cups and drinking straws. — Star Tribune, 22 May 2021 Items that cannot be recycled include plastic bags, paper towels, electrical equipment, batteries and clothing. — Ayana Archie, The Courier-Journal, 21 May 2021 The Aum Supreme Truth cult, now known as Aleph, places plastic bags of sarin on trains that converge in the Tokyo government district during rush hour. — Cnn Editorial Research, CNN, 20 May 2021 Eight people who live at Carroll Lutheran Village collected 500 plastic bags — the bags their meals have been delivered in during the pandemic. — Lois Szymanski, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, 14 May 2021 Images circulated on social media of people hoarding gas and filling up all manner of unsuitable containers, prompting the U.S. Product Safety Commission to warn customers: Do not fill plastic bags with gasoline. — NBC News, 12 May 2021 Police found large amounts of drug paraphernalia inside the attic in plain view, such as scales, pipes, small plastic bags, glass vials, pills and bags with powder inside. — cleveland, 6 May 2021 The result is then filtered several times more, eventually ending up as a milky solution that fills 10-L plastic bags. — Time, 19 Apr. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'plastic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.