plastic

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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 Before hitting fashion's famous steps, Doja Cat arrived at the famous Mark Hotel wearing nothing but nude-colored undergarments and a plastic bag. Michelle Lee, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025 Also notice, in the image below, the three screws and sliding tabs that secure the front panel’s plastic frame and an internal drive tray from the bottom. PCMAG, 2 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for plastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plastic
Adjective
  • Clusters of what looked like brown-speckled white mold coated the stem—legless females, surrounded by a white, waxy protective substance.
    ByWarren Cornwall, science.org, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Each type of potato, like the starchy russet or waxy Yukon Gold, brings their own texture and flavor to the dish, and knowing how long to boil them makes all the difference in achieving that dreamy, creamy mash.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The Athletic's college football reporters conducted a mock draft, which had the Titans taking Miami quarterback Cam Ward.
    Nate Rau, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025
  • There already have been a deluge of mock drafts and prospect rankings.
    Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • For years, Knight has hinted at Snoop’s alleged jealousy of Tupac, believing that the East Coast-West Coast rivalry and personal tensions led to strained relationships within their inner circle.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 25 Feb. 2025
  • State of play: DeSantis and Trump have long had a strained relationship.
    Ivana Saric, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Embracing Adaptive Work Structures Introducing adaptable work frameworks, such as flexi-time arrangements, can empower employees to balance work and personal commitments more effectively.
    Wayne Yu, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • With a strong focus on technical education and skill-building, the region has cultivated an adaptable, highly skilled labor force that meets the demands of next-generation manufacturing.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The reports that have gone viral on social media are fake news.
    Natasha Dye, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Call scams have been making headlines recently, fueled by the rise in AI threats and urgent but fake banking and technical support calls that push users to install software or transfer money.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Archaeological evidence shows that by 8000 B.C., Neolithic humans began incorporating this malleable metal into their daily lives, later crafting tools that replaced their stone predecessors.
    Ed Macha, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Even so, Trump is malleable and can change his tune on a dime.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Of the six substitutions Slot made in the defeat to PSG, Quansah was the brightest addition to the side, despite coming on at right-back, an unnatural position for him.
    Andy Jones, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The vehicle is also fitted with a lower front valance skid plate, for mechanical protection.
    Michael Harley, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plastic. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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