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 Indeed, Best was cast for the malleable mannerisms and babbling delivery displayed in his stand-up comedy, and sat with Lucas to study the motivation behind Keaton’s movement. Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 18 Apr. 2025 Enter the woolly mouse: a rapidly reproducing, genetically malleable model organism that could confirm whether these genetic edits function as expected before applying them to larger animals. Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 Unlike most bias-mitigation efforts that prioritize English, this dataset is malleable, with human translations for testing a wider breadth of languages and cultures. Reece Rogers, Wired News, 23 Apr. 2025 Studies have also shown that physicians’ imaging behaviors are malleable. Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for malleable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malleable
Adjective
  • The case looks great on its own to my eyes, with a two tone finish consisting of faux-leather and plastic frame that snaps onto the Vivo X200 Ultra.
    Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • And Michael Martinez now drives his brother’s highlighter-yellow Jeep, which includes the countless plastic ducks received in his brother’s memory.
    Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Its adaptable, low-profile design fits into a variety of spaces without the bulk of traditional units.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • These foundational elements – robust infrastructure, accessible data, adaptable governance – might not grab headlines like breakthroughs in model training.
    Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The rules around federal civil proceedings are slightly more flexible, allowing for recording in some instances at the discretion of the judge.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Want a new career that’s higher-paying, more flexible or fulfilling?
    Jeannie Kim, CNBC, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Malleable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malleable. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

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