ductile

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

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 ductile Plate tectonics is a scientific theory describing the large-scale motion of fragments of the earth's rigid outermost shell on an inner ductile layer. David Bressan, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 At the atomic level, there are principally four phases of auto steel, including the hardest yet most brittle, called martensite, and the more ductile austenite. John Johnson Jr., Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Aug. 2024 In 2023, citing problems with longevity and leaks, Prescott’s mayor announced a switch from PVC plastic to ductile iron. Laodong Guo, The Conversation, 25 June 2024 Shubhangi Dua 2 months ago 0 Science Purdue researchers reveal new technique for ductile ceramics The new method applies to a broader range of ceramics and is scalable. Interesting Engineering, 23 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for ductile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ductile
Adjective
  • A lot of jeans are made with a bit of elastane to give it stretch, but that will just not give you this kind of fit and drape.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 10 Feb. 2025
  • More inventive styles like the Nela, a second-skin knee-high boot featuring stretch leather and a harness detail that wraps around the ankle, only go up to 11.
    Mikelle Street, Them, 26 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • For all the talk and research that has gone into exploiting graphene’s pliant properties for use in wearable and flexible electronics, most of the polymer composites it has been mixed with to date have been on the hard and inflexible side.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 14 Dec. 2016
  • During subsequent decades, the Soviets and its pliant regime were defeated, the country was racked by civil war, and various Islamist groups became ascendant, including the Mujahedin, Taliban, al-Qaeda, and Isis-Khorasan.
    Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Every adult understands that quotidian lives are a complex jumble of truths and lies, and that honesty, secrets and privacy are malleable given the situation, but that’s not something a child learns overnight, which makes Marielle’s predicament especially disorienting.
    Jay D. Weissberg, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Time is malleable, reality is only a function of our choices, and people can create their own second chances — ideas that Universal Language borrows from Kiarostami’s cinematic library of compassion, and then makes its own.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Are policy shifts on environmental policy–promoting plastic straws and downplaying climate concerns–likely to undermine the shift to more ocean-friendly products and practices?
    Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Plastic Reduction Alliance of NWI to host symposium In a continued effort to foster environmental sustainability and promote plastic reduction practices within the community, local leaders, educators and environmental advocates will gather to discuss strategies for reducing plastic waste.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Heat makes muscles more pliable, which reduces the risk of muscle injuries.
    Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Then use a softer, more pliable brush for blending.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But however adaptable Malone is to rapping, singing pop and more recently going country, something didn’t click here.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
  • This fast-growing tree is a favorite for planting in wet spots, although this surprisingly adaptable tree also will grow well in drier sites.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Constructed with both comfort and warmth in mind, the dual elastic gore insets help to provide an ultra-secure fit and feel.
    Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Wear compression stockings: These tight elastic socks can help prevent dizziness, especially with low blood pressure.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ductile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ductile. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

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