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
  • Its stretch material lends mobility and a fully relaxed fit, while the full-zipper closure helps block out the elements.
    Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The non-stretch cotton fabric gives them a structured, straight drape, while the classic five-pocket design keeps the style simple enough to dress up or down.
    Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • In Gramsci’s telling, wars of maneuver could succeed where the state had a tight grip and the institutions of civil society (churches, schools, unions, professional organizations, the press) were weak and malleable, as in Imperial Russia.
    Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026
  • This set comes with four 5-gallon grow bags made of a malleable fabric that helps retain moisture with natural drainage.
    Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The trouble is that these connections significantly change over time—they’re plastic.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Vendors weave through the packed crowd hawking cans of beer, hard seltzer and jalapeño-tequila and cherry vodka Jell-O shots, served in plastic syringes.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Woven structures can combine several materials into forms that are soft, pliable and customizable, creating prospective applications in wearables, biomedical devices and aerospace.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Fazio wasn’t offering labor any leverage to make Lamont more generous or pliable.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 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
  • While mosquitoes are remarkably adaptable animals, scientists have repeatedly demonstrated that their numbers and territory are expanding as the planet warms and weather patterns change.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The adaptable oak varieties are native to the capital region and, when mature, can often survive the hot, dry summers without being watered — something Leary points to when advocating for preserving the trees rather than planting new ones.
    Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The best ones had multiple pockets, removable mesh pouches, and elastic loops to hold products in place and protect them from excess impact.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The elastic insult is meant to belittle the target as inauthentic, attention-hungry, unserious, and unmanly.
    Erik Forrest Jackson, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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