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 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 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 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
  • The Bulls are highly motivated to complete a series of trades this week, which means being malleable with contracts to glean as much draft capital and salary-cap flexibility as possible.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
  • In a statement, a US Department of Defense official appeared to suggest that the timeline could be malleable.
    Mick Krever, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • While searching the home, detectives found a clear plastic bag with meth residue in a bedroom, as well as several plastic bags with fentanyl residue in trash cans outside the home.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Leaves or fresh flowers are more eco-friendly - and more special – than a plastic bow.
    Martha Shade, CNN, 11 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
  • This simple silhouette is made from 100 percent leather and has an elastic trim for an almost custom level of comfort.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 9 Feb. 2025
  • The dactyl clubs store energy in elastic, spring-like structures held in place by latch-like tendons.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near ductile

Cite this Entry

“Ductile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ductile. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ductile

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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