plastic

1
2

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 The remaining 40 percent is molecularly recycled materials such as plastic packaging and carpets that are turned into acetic acid. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 20 Oct. 2025 Prosecutors said Hernandez choked Etan, stuffed his body into a plastic garbage bag hidden inside a box and took it out with the trash. Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025 Thomas was found dead in a plastic bin inside a vehicle on April 26, having previously been reported missing on April 5. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025 Only two claimed to accept plastic bags, Bonta said. Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plastic
Adjective
  • Amara says that buildup can often appear as a waxy film or cause white residue at the roots.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 23 Sep. 2025
  • The colors would wash across the Los Angeles basin and light the tree from underneath, making its orange-red bark glow and waxy green needles sparkle.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Continue reading … KEEPS ON GIVING – Joe Rogan and Andrew Schulz mock Harris' claim of people calling her most qualified presidential candidate.
    , FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Well, this mock neck zipped jacket is a far more flattering, wearable option that’s currently sporting a $20 price tag and a full range of sizes.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The sensory bins include sensory sand, a kind of sand that is soft, moldable, and holds its shape.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • After missing the Heat’s first five preseason games with a strained hamstring, Rozier played in his first exhibition of the year on Friday.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
  • If staffing levels remain strained, a single storm or tech glitch could cause nationwide ripple effects that ruin travel plans for millions.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Together, the two robots showcase the broad promise of soft magnetic actuator, ranging from minimally invasive healthcare to adaptable machines that can explore harsh environments.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Pumpkin is the season’s quiet powerhouse—earthy, velvety, and endlessly adaptable.
    The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ryan Scully scored on a 44-yard fake punt and Ethan Polloreno returned an interception for a score.
    John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Instead, the Pack ran a laughably bad fake-kick play — on fourth-and-17, no less.
    Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Advertisement Differences between biological age and chronological age speaks to the possibility that aging is malleable.
    Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Technology and the almighty algorithms keep many musicians under their thumb, and only the malleable prosper.
    Waylon Barnes, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These techniques can sometimes feel unnatural.
    Christine Buzan, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Drafting in English and translating often produces stilted, unnatural messages.
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plastic. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on plastic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!