plastic

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective plastic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of plastic are adaptable, ductile, malleable, pliable, and pliant. While all these words mean "susceptible of being modified in form or nature," 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

In what contexts can adaptable take the place of plastic?

While in some cases nearly identical to plastic, adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.

computer hardware that is adaptable

When can ductile be used instead of plastic?

The words ductile and plastic can be used in similar contexts, but ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

When is it sensible to use malleable instead of plastic?

Although the words malleable and plastic have much in common, malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

the malleable properties of gold

When would pliable be a good substitute for plastic?

The meanings of pliable and plastic largely overlap; however, pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.

pliable rubber tubing

When might pliant be a better fit than plastic?

The words pliant and plastic 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 plastic On the packed streets outside, some fans climbed onto a subway entrance canopy while others tossed plastic bollards into the air outside Penn Station. Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 17 May 2025 The piece, titled Whale on the Wharf (Skyscraper), was created to highlight the impact of plastic pollution. Rachel McRady, People.com, 16 May 2025 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 The miserable, rainy conditions outside the Canadian Tire Centre that evening seemingly foreshadowed an impending loss as one Maple Leafs fan braved the rain with a plastic broom hoisted above his head. Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for plastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plastic
Adjective
  • For all the waxy stories of tournament winners overcoming this or proving that, so many others out there are in the stench.
    Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • These small insects have a waxy, white, cottony appearance and can usually be found in clusters on the underside of leaves and in stem joints.
    Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • In the past year, Sanders was projected as high as a top 3 NFL draft pick in some mock drafts.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 7 May 2025
  • With a draft order now known, a collection of our NHL reporters combined for a mock draft of the first 16 picks.
    Corey Pronman, New York Times, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • There's also the potential for dependency on partners, which can be risky if the alliance becomes strained.
    Randy Wong, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Despite the strained relationship between both countries at the political level, the Tempo are focused on having a smooth launch next year and adding to the W’s current momentum.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • One smart way to sell qualifications is to communicate the willingness to be adaptable to innovations and tactical strategies.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Additionally, adaptable technology providers should offer scalability and customization, which allows brands to grow while leveraging increasingly sophisticated automation and analytics tools.
    Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • This fake news is being spread by France’s enemies, both abroad and at home.
    Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 12 May 2025
  • YouTube has further cracked down on fake movie trailer channels.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • The entire history of online culture is a cautionary tale about how little distance there is between ironic and real appreciation, and Bateman has always been a more malleable icon than most.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 6 May 2025
  • The new regime has not yet cemented its control over the country, and its political positions seem malleable.
    David Makovsky, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • Multiple sclerosis bends his limbs in sharp, unnatural angles.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
  • A week ago, TikTok birthed a strange meme, proposing that the big hat that Zendaya wore back in 2014 during the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party contained something unnatural.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2025
  • The company's debut product, an all-black keyboard with no key labels, put mechanical keyboards on the radar of computer geeks and general consumers alike.
    Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plastic. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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