Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective adaptable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of adaptable are ductile, malleable, plastic, pliable, and pliant. While all these words mean "susceptible of being modified in form or nature," adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.

computer hardware that is adaptable

When is it sensible to use ductile instead of adaptable?

While in some cases nearly identical to adaptable, ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

When would malleable be a good substitute for adaptable?

In some situations, the words malleable and adaptable are roughly equivalent. However, malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

the malleable properties of gold

In what contexts can plastic take the place of adaptable?

The words plastic and adaptable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When can pliable be used instead of adaptable?

The synonyms pliable and adaptable are sometimes interchangeable, but pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.

pliable rubber tubing

When is pliant a more appropriate choice than adaptable?

The meanings of pliant and adaptable largely overlap; however, pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness.

an athletic shoe with a pliant sole

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of adaptable In both cases, the Jolly Roger flag worked like open-source code – adaptable locally but instantly legible elsewhere. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025 The microbes respond by reshaping their population, keeping the partnership dynamic and adaptable. New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2025 Instead of one formal table, homeowners prefer adaptable areas where life happens all day long. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025 Elsewhere, rising designers Paolo Carzana and Susan Fang continued to challenge material boundaries, resulting in garments that are thoughtfully designed, adaptable and aesthetically unique. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adaptable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adaptable
Adjective
  • Iuga Wide-Leg Sweatpant Jeans These wide-leg sweatpant jeans are a versatile and stylish wardrobe staple.
    Laura Lu, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025
  • With premium build quality and versatile functionality, it’s designed for professionals, creatives, and gamers who require more from their machines.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Even the arm and backrests are adjustable to provide the maximum amount of comfort while lounging.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 Oct. 2025
  • With adjustable speed settings and options for hard or soft surfaces, the game grows with players and adapts to any space.
    Emily Glover, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However, if an employee purchases eligible health care items or services during furlough, they can’t be reimbursed from a flexible spending account until the worker returns to pay status and payroll deductions can be made.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Tourists are still enjoying Michigan's lineup of dynamic fall events amid Apple Month and Michigan Agritourism Month this October and are flexible to changing fall color patterns, said Nick Nerbonne, media and digital director for Travel Michigan.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adaptable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adaptable. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adaptable

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