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
  • The Dallas Mavericks are acquiring a stretch big man to put next to Cooper Flagg.
    Christian Clark, New York Times, 1 July 2026
  • Like many of Levi’s best-selling styles, they’re made from 100-percent cotton and have a non-stretch fit.
    Iman Balagam, InStyle, 26 June 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
  • The party has proved as malleable to religion as to capitalism, spending billions on the rejuvenation of Buddhist shrines from Sri Lanka to Nepal.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 July 2026
  • Remove dough strips from freezer; if too stiff to be workable, let stand at room temperature until malleable and softened slightly but still very cold.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Liquid toiletries must come in dispensers larger than 180 milliliters rather than tiny plastic bottles.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Transfer into glass containers (not plastic), and pop into the fridge.
    Lauren Murdoch-Smith, Vogue, 11 July 2026
Adjective
  • At Wild Orchard Farmstead on South Korea’s enchanting Jeju Island, regenerative organic tea seeds are planted into the dark, pliable, nutrient-rich soil that allows its roots to grow as deep as the trees are tall.
    Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Their once pliable playthings are now embalmed, lifeless.
    Theo Belci, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Concrete is a durable, moldable material that makes each piece artistic and weather-resistant.
    Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • The company says the adaptable production system is already capable of producing hundreds of solid rocket motors annually and is designed to increase manufacturing speed while reducing production bottlenecks.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026
  • But other types of AI workloads—like inference—are much less dependent on satellite-to-satellite latency and may be adaptable to operate within satellite constellations.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • The sporty style has a boxer-style elastic waistband, a comfortable mid-rise fit, and wide legs for movement.
    Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
  • Its elastic bridge straps hug the foot for optimal support, just as a removable OrthoLite insole specializes in soft landings and brand embroidery on the toe contrasts aptly with the kick’s chocolate brown coloring.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 14 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ductile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ductile. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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