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
  • Additionally, Korkmaz said stretch fabrics are making a strong comeback, reminiscent of the early 2000s, but reimagined with current technology.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Take Breaks Throughout The Day Taking a pause every 50 minutes to relax, stretch, meditate or engage in something enjoyable has been a game-changer for me.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • With a pliant Congress, Trump is using his office to benefit his family’s business interests, former prosecutors and ethics lawyers say.
    Natasha Frost, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The implication is that individuals need to examine their consumption choices while recognizing that some choices are more malleable (Dietz et al.
    Nives Dolsak and Aseem Prakash, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • All of the still image color profiles are available for movies, plus a flat L-Log look with lower contrast and saturation that provides a neutral starting point for more malleable color grading in the editing room.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Each box contains single plastic packets inside with the lot code and best by date stamped on the bottom and on each packet.
    Samantha Gowen, Orange County Register, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Unlike the more expensive Pixels, the back is plastic instead of Gorilla Glass.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • When temperatures rise above three hundred and fifty degrees Celsius, rock becomes soft and pliable.
    Brent Crane, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
  • What to look for in quality eyeshadow brushes Stiffness Some eyeshadow brushes have very little give, while others are soft and pliable.
    BestReviews, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The Multimodal Metropolis addresses these concerns by integrating intelligent, adaptable solutions into core infrastructure.
    Cathy Hackl, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • With its retractable roof, configurable seating and adaptable pitch – which will be stored in the neighboring mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen when not in use – the stadium can accommodate a wide range of sports and entertainment events.
    Andrew McNicol, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The pants feature an adjustable elastic waistband that’s even comfortable enough to wear during a lengthy flight, while the stylish wide leg cut appears endlessly flattering on a wide range of body types.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 2025
  • They’re designed with an ultra-stretchy material, a high-waist elastic waistband, and side pockets that have earned seals of approval from Zumba instructors, skateboarders, and aerialists.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 18 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ductile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ductile. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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