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 But at least the younger generation is still malleable! Daniel D'addario, Variety, 1 June 2025 In the film, morality becomes ambiguous, and malleable even, as Coogler brilliantly illustrates duality in his characters and their development while incorporating themes of Hoodoo and Christianity. Nia Shumake, Essence, 15 May 2025 Your brain is malleable throughout your life, Dr. Bevins explains, meaning your current lifestyle habits can improve your brain health down the road. Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 12 May 2025 Photographers will appreciate just how malleable its 14-bit Raw photos are, and for landscapes, the 177MP multi-shot mode beats medium format digital for detail. PC Magazine, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for malleable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malleable
Adjective
  • Three days later, the girls’ bodies were discovered with plastic bags over their heads and their hands bound at Rock Island Campground, police said.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
  • The Chelan County Sheriff's Office reported a deputy found the girls lifeless with plastic bags over their heads and evidence that their hands had been zip-tied.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Be adaptable, as your plans with friends and loved ones may change on a whim.
    Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 24 June 2025
  • Native Americans also believed spiderwort to be a sign of strength and endurance, possibly because the plant is adaptable to different conditions, though not in my yard.
    Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • In 8th grade, students create a flexible four-year plan for high school to help guide them.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
  • FSIs who provide flexible, digital-first work environments and AI-enabled productivity tools may be better positioned to attract this talent and benefit from their fresh perspectives.
    Monica Hovsepian, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Malleable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malleable. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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