PLASTIC Synonyms: 128 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

plastic

adjective

Definition of plastic next

as in waxy

capable of being easily molded or modeled Silly Putty is famous for being very plastic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in mock

lacking in natural or spontaneous quality there's usually a plastic cordiality at these corporate events

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Next, cover the hair with a plastic cap and give it a quick blast with a hairdryer on a low setting before letting the product sit for 15 to 30 minutes. —

Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025 In some cases, products that have plastic enclosures coated with flame retardants may be able to achieve similar fire ratings by replacing the plastic with less flammable metal. —

Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025 Wearing plastic vampire dentures, Yuri tries to engage with the Ochi on its own visceral terms. —

Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025 Scrape the dough into a large plastic container or a silpat mat, then knead for around 5 minutes, or until smooth and stretchy. —

Ingu Chen, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for plastic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for plastic

Adjective

Some of the most common animal extracts used in hair perfumes are musk and ambergris, which is a waxy substance that is secreted by sperm whales.

— BestReviews, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025
Stains on robes tend to appear in one of three places—the chest, collar, and cuffs—so pay particular attention to stains from food, drinks, and makeup, as well as dingy or waxy buildup from products such as deodorant and lotion.

— Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2025