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 Older adults’ brains are also malleable, but less so. Paul Spann, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025 And sometimes a rift develops between the world and a mind, a stark reminder that awareness is malleable. Andrea Gawrylewski, Scientific American, 2 Sep. 2025 It can also be used to slice other malleable foods, like mushrooms, kiwis, strawberries, butter, and even some meats and cheeses. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2025 Reality became malleable, was always giving way and changing its rules. Rachel Cusk, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for malleable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malleable
Adjective
  • Women dangle live chickens from their hands, and carry spices piled high in plastic buckets on their heads.
    Sarah Dean, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The work points toward more energy-efficient methods for plastic upcycling, reducing pollution while creating sustainable fuels.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Dream Pairs Mary Janes with Velcro Ankle Straps Stylish yet practical, these Mary Janes are designed with an adjustable hook-and-loop closure and non-slip outsoles with a subtle heel.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Cacoe Phone Lanyard Neck Strap 2-pack The Cacoe adjustable phone lanyard is one of those clever, low-key safety tools that feels tailored for travel.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Stay adaptable while Venus disrupts Uranus.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Being Unwilling To Change One of the greatest missteps a business development leader can make is failing to remain open, aware and adaptable to change.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The vacuum's flexible neck made cleaning under chairs, the couch, and around tight corners simple.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Mini muffins and cupcakes are a classic, and this flexible silicone pan makes a convenient option for batch baking.
    Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Malleable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malleable. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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