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
  • This pick stands out thanks to its non-stretch cotton fabric, which maintains its shape throughout the day.
    Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
  • In any case, Mahomes has taken pre-stretch snaps under center and also had seven-on-seven passes begin with that same setup.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 28 July 2026
Adjective
  • In many ways, Trump is at the height of his power, surrounded by pliant leaders and able to count on a cohesive group of followers.
    Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2026
  • The unions want their pliant board majority in place through 2032.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Battered metal is as crucial to his kit as conventional drum sounds, and even his tonal elements feel as malleable as wrung-out sponges or wet lumps of clay.
    Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026
  • So Garnacho, who has experience playing off the right under Erik ten Hag, is suitably versatile and young enough to remain malleable.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • Nerheim noted the store receipts indicated the purchase of acid, coveralls, goggles, gloves, plastic sheeting, saw blades, bleach and garbage bags.
    Barbara Vitello, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Because they’re designed to fit the plastic bubble of their packaging, this scale isn’t always consistent.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • Dock with each other Flexible electronics involves building circuits on pliable materials for devices to bend and stretch without breaking.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026
  • Instead, the vertebrae remain in a more soft, pliable cartilage stage.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • In addition to their soft, moldable footbed, the slides have a foam outsole for additional comfort, support, and traction.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
  • After picking the Wolverines over Penn State and Minnesota in June, Emedobi will look to join the list of moldable edge prospects who became NFL Draft picks at Michigan.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Efficient sampling—adaptable for rivers, lakes and seas—enables extended feasibility studies for precise ecosystem protection and on-ground mitigation.
    Gamuda Contributor, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • By integrating multiple treatment functions into a single membrane architecture, the approach could provide a framework for creating more efficient and adaptable systems beyond desalination applications.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Collagen production naturally slows with age, which contributes to thinner, less elastic skin.
    Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The barrel-leg silhouette feels current, while the elastic waistband keeps them comfortable enough for long days out exploring.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ductile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ductile. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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