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
  • Intentionally redistribute work, rotate stretch responsibilities and check capacity before adding more.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The garment, titled the Mermaid Bi Dress, was form-fitted and crafted out of what appeared to be leather and a sheer stretch fabric.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 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
  • The survey also found that the public’s views of a national health plan are highly malleable.
    — Rachel Roubein, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Memory is malleable, and even worse, humans are terrible at knowing whether their memories are reliable.
    — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Crew rolled gear in plastic bins to a nearby empty storefront.
    — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Lu added that they would eventually be draped in real greenery, not the plastic version.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The rug is pliable enough to fit in the washing machine, which means a pad comes in handy for keeping it stable underfoot.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Place 6 tortillas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 3 minutes, or until the tortillas are very pliable and easy to fold.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 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
  • That modular approach is intended to keep ROMULUS adaptable as the Navy’s requirements and operating environments evolve.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Without structured organizational support, even the most capable and adaptable employees will face limits.
    — Christine Muldoon, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Choose from 20 colors and patterns, each with an elastic waistband, deep pockets, and tulip hems.
    — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Rather than forcing you to adapt to a permanently stitched grid of elastic loops, the M3 utilizes heavy-duty, modular pages.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ductile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ductile. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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