ductile

Definition of ductilenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ductile contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ductile are adaptable, malleable, plastic, pliable, and pliant. While all these words mean "susceptible of being modified in form or nature," ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

When can adaptable be used instead of ductile?

The words adaptable and ductile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.

computer hardware that is adaptable

When would malleable be a good substitute for ductile?

While the synonyms malleable and ductile are close in meaning, malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

the malleable properties of gold

Where would plastic be a reasonable alternative to ductile?

The meanings of plastic and ductile largely overlap; however, 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 is it sensible to use pliable instead of ductile?

While in some cases nearly identical to ductile, pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.

pliable rubber tubing

When might pliant be a better fit than ductile?

Although the words pliant and ductile have much in common, 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 ductile These high-resolution images are a first step toward tailoring magnesium alloys to be both more ductile and more stable, bringing them closer to large-scale use in cars and other vehicles. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2025 The 22-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter boasts an ethereal, ductile voice that sounds equally convincing singing solo with flamenco guitar accompaniment or over dance beats. — Leila Cobo, Billboard, 18 July 2025 The web-like blue and gold dial is housed in a 40mm case made of tantalum, a very hard, ductile, lustrous, blue-gray transition metal that is highly corrosion-resistant. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 This sliding is what leads to the material being ductile (able to be drawn into wires) and malleable (able to be hammered into shapes), which are characteristics of softness. — John Werner, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ductile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ductile
Adjective
  • If he — or any center — is sidelined for any stretch again, the Bulls will rely heavily on Smith as a stretch big man who can cover a lot of ground on both ends of the court.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The synthetic hand has learned to split silk strands, thread a needle, stretch fabric across a frame, and stitch, following a craft with more than 2,500 years of history.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The world went in, and pliant, playful interpretations flowed out.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Fernández’s theory is that Mark must have told the women the code to his safe in his pliant stupor.
    — Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Each adaptation should stand on its own, of course, and Kurosawa films have proven quite malleable over the years.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The survey also found that the public’s views of a national health plan are highly malleable.
    — Rachel Roubein, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Eco effort The hotel uses its own solar power system, boasts LED lighting, has strict waste separation, does not use plastic products, and has green roofs and wildflower meadows to support biodiversity.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Saccani said the consortium estimates production costs have risen about 30%, driven by increases in animal feed, diesel, energy, plastic packaging and transportation.
    — Giada Zampano, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Once the exterior is pliable enough to season, apply the brine and return the turkey to the refrigerator to finish thawing.
    — Julie Harans, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The flour tortillas are Chihuahua-style, delicately flaky, but dense and pliable enough to prevent leakage.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The researchers linked molecules from a viscous oil and a gas to produce a new variation of this polymer, resulting in a transparent, moldable goo with a consistency similar to Blu Tack.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But the fun doesn’t stop with figurines—the calendar also includes moldable sand and molds to make snowballs and snowflakes, plus pop-out play pieces like a festive tree and a sled to soar across the frozen landscape.
    — Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Several expand or open, while others use moving furniture or adaptable interiors to maximize functionality.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The program’s open-architecture approach is intended to make those systems more adaptable as operational requirements evolve.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s why brands tout benefits like more collagen, firmer and more elastic skin, smoother texture and fewer visible fine lines.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026
  • That research has given PDRN skincare a list of buzzy promises, including more collagen, firmer and more elastic skin, smoother texture and softer fine lines, all of which fit neatly into the booming bio-repair category.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ductile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ductile. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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