Synonyms of ductile

ductile

adjective

as in stretch

technical capable of being bent or pulled into different shapes

ductile iron

Related Words

• stretch
• pliant
• malleable
• plastic
• pliable
• moldable
• adaptable
• elastic
• resilient
• rubbery
• rubberlike
• stretchy
• supple
• stretchable
• springy
• kneadable
• flexible
• bouncy
• whippy
• limber
• willowy
• lissom
• lissome
• lithe
• lithesome

Dissimilar Words

• inelastic
• rigid
• stiff
• inflexible
• solid
• hard
• nonelastic
• compact
• unyielding
• firm
• brittle
• friable
• short
• flaky
• crisp
• crumbly
• flakey

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

Recent Examples of ductile

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

The all-aluminum M1s are apparently hard enough to handle ice but ductile enough to not easily chip or shatter when hitting rocks. —Cameron Martindell, WIRED, 28 Nov. 2024

The majority of Surprise’s water line system is made of PVC and ductile iron, Water Resource Management Director Mike Boule explained. —Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 14 Nov. 2024

Plate tectonics is a scientific theory describing the large-scale motion of fragments of the earth's rigid outermost shell on an inner ductile layer. —David Bressan, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024