Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective malleable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of malleable are adaptable, ductile, plastic, pliable, and pliant. While all these words mean "susceptible of being modified in form or nature," malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

the malleable properties of gold

When is it sensible to use adaptable instead of malleable?

The synonyms adaptable and malleable are sometimes interchangeable, but adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.

computer hardware that is adaptable

When would ductile be a good substitute for malleable?

Although the words ductile and malleable have much in common, ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

In what contexts can plastic take the place of malleable?

The words plastic and malleable can be used in similar contexts, but 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 might pliable be a better fit than malleable?

While the synonyms pliable and malleable are close in meaning, pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.

pliable rubber tubing

When can pliant be used instead of malleable?

The words pliant and malleable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 malleable Some traits, of course, are malleable. Caleb Warren, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2025 Surviving in late-night, and continuing to churn out sharp takes on the topics of the day, has meant learning to stay malleable. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2025 Markets have become accustomed to the White House’s malleable deadlines, to say the least. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2025 Positions can be malleable, but Buchanan has always been a playmaker and leader. Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for malleable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malleable
Adjective
  • Unique Props and Figurines From plastic skeletons posed in mid-dance to rubber bats and ceramic black cats, vintage Halloween props add personality and whimsy to your displays.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Around 20 elephants died over an eight-year period at a single site in Ampara after consuming indigestible food wrappers and other plastic waste.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The design is simple yet effective, with zippered hand pockets, thumbholes, an adjustable hem, and a chin guard built into the hood.
    Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Nearly 3,000 Amazon shoppers gave the candle trio a five-star rating for their adjustable brightness, realistic flickering features, and neutral colors.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Related Stories However, the films also highlight a concerted effort by Hungary’s National Film Institute (NFI) to make the local industry more adaptable to the needs of today’s filmmakers.
    Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
  • For the Farrow & Ball paint color expert, starting with a brown like the reserved, mid-weighted Broccoli Brown gives an adaptable starting point.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Strategies will remain flexible to adjust to changing fire behavior, terrain, and resource availability.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • By learning from nature’s most flexible swimmer, the octopus, researchers hope to overcome these challenges and make underwater machines more capable, adaptable, and sustainable.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Malleable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malleable. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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