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 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 Here, at least, the performers — who include Téa Leoni as Odell’s wife, the very funny Will Poulter as the Leopold son and Anthony Carrigan as a put-upon servant — have the kinds of ductile faces, rubber-band moves and vocal dexterity that can keep even sluggish material moving. Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 27 Mar. 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 halter dress was crafted with stretch silk with a sleek column silhouette complemented by a halter neckline and an open back.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 June 2026
  • The Ribcage Wide-Leg jeans have a high-rise waist that’s right on trend, along with a leg-lengthening inseam and non-stretch denim that breaks in beautifully.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • The unions want their pliant board majority in place through 2032.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
  • Fennel, cumin, coriander and black pepper perfume sistani, another round flatbread with barley mixed into the wheat flour for a nutty taste and pliant crumb.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Pewter is a malleable metal made mostly of tin.
    Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 14 June 2026
  • Relaunched as a malleable productivity tool in 2016, the app got its first million users by 2019.
    Angelica Ang, Fortune, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • To accomplish this, place the pit in a plastic bag with a moist paper towel.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026
  • It is usually made of plastic or composite material, though some are metal like your VW.
    John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • But their game model is certainly less pliable to tournaments where teams have time to build attacking chemistry.
    Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
  • Their once pliable playthings are now embalmed, lifeless.
    Theo Belci, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Concrete is a durable, moldable material that makes each piece artistic and weather-resistant.
    Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 22 June 2026
  • The Dolphins have three moldable pieces of clay in Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • Each pillow has an outer and inner pillow, offering adaptable support for every type of sleeper.
    Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • Kevin Warsh, the Republican financier who recently took over as the chairman of the Federal Reserve, holds economic views that could, kindly, be described as adaptable.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • The elastic waistband provides a comfortable fit that feels much better than other trousers that hug or dig into your sides.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026
  • This style has an elastic waistband with lettuce edges for a more elegant look.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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