Synonyms of ductile

ductile

adjective

as in stretch

technical capable of being bent or pulled into different shapes

ductile iron

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stretch
• pliant
• malleable
• plastic
• pliable
• moldable
• adaptable
• elastic
• resilient
• rubbery
• rubberlike
• stretchy
• supple
• stretchable
• springy
• kneadable
• flexible
• bouncy
• whippy
• limber
• willowy
• lissom
• lissome
• lithe
• lithesome

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inelastic
• rigid
• stiff
• inflexible
• solid
• hard
• nonelastic
• compact
• unyielding
• firm
• brittle
• friable
• short
• flaky
• crisp
• crumbly
• flakey

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ductile contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ductile are adaptable, malleable, plastic, pliable, and pliant. While all these words mean "susceptible of being modified in form or nature," ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

When can adaptable be used instead of ductile?

The words adaptable and ductile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.

computer hardware that is adaptable

When would malleable be a good substitute for ductile?

While the synonyms malleable and ductile are close in meaning, malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

the malleable properties of gold

Where would plastic be a reasonable alternative to ductile?

The meanings of plastic and ductile largely overlap; however, 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 is it sensible to use pliable instead of ductile?

While in some cases nearly identical to ductile, pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.

pliable rubber tubing

When might pliant be a better fit than ductile?

Although the words pliant and ductile have much in common, pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness.

an athletic shoe with a pliant sole

Examples of ductile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The researchers stipulated that the low-temperature adhesive should be ductile, stiff, and strong from -55°C to 100°C or higher in order to support the load throughout this temperature range. —IEEE Spectrum, 2 Feb. 2021

As a result, the asthenosphere is considered more ductile — or malleable and able to stretch. —Matt Benoit, Discover Magazine, 19 Dec. 2023

The two 6- and 8-inch pipes will be replaced with one new 12-inch ductile iron pipe. —Kevin Dayhoff, Baltimore Sun, 9 Sep. 2023

After the 1971 Sylmar earthquake, non-ductile construction was deemed so unsafe that it was banned in future buildings by the 1980s. —Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2023