plastic

adjective

Definition of plasticnext
1
as in waxy
capable of being easily molded or modeled Silly Putty is famous for being very plastic

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 The entire chassis is plastic, though, which takes the shine off such a pricey laptop with cutting-edge components. —PC Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 Friction is also the mechanism by which blenders with plastic jars can release large amounts of microplastics. —Marta Zaraska, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2025 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, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plastic
  1. waxy
  2. mock
  3. strained
  4. adaptable
  5. fake
  6. malleable
  7. unnatural
  8. mechanical
Adjective
  • The blasting flames start to slowly heat a giant vat holding hundreds of gallons of goopy, waxy sludge above.
    — Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Summary Cholesterol is a waxy substance that every cell in the body needs to function.
    — Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, Verywell Health, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of waxy
Adjective
  • Afterward, a mock court-martial was held, complete with the sentencing and execution of a private accused of desertion.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2025
  • In mock drafts, Hampton is often mocked to the early twenties or even late twenties to a team like the Washington Commanders.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of mock
Adjective
  • But the discussion around Golden this season has been muted, strained and careful all the way to the end, Monday’s dramatic 65-63 comeback win against Houston to seize the title.
    — Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Throughout the series, the strained relationship between father and son highlights the repercussions of family communication breakdowns.
    — Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • Chenier said Family First Center is trying to be adaptable in the event that federal funding is cut.
    — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
  • These minor setbacks pale in comparison to the challenges faced by rivals like Man City, whose struggles can be attributed to a lack of tactical flexibility — a stark contrast to Chelsea’s adaptable approach.
    — Julia Ranney, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of adaptable
Adjective
  • These platforms sell complete phishing kits—web hosting, SMS delivery systems, fake landing pages, encryption tools—to other cybercriminals who want to run scams at scale.
    — Alex Vakulov, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Nancy Marks, Santos’ former campaign treasurer, admitted to filing bogus campaign finance reports filled with fake donors and a fake $500,000 personal loan from Santos.
    — Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • How our perceptions of identity can be malleable depending on the surroundings or circumstances.
    — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Lamar, arguably in the midst of the most incredible run in hip-hop history, appears thrice on the project and is pretty malleable, sliding seamlessly into Carti’s orbit.
    — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of malleable
Adjective
  • While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind.
    — Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 5 Apr. 2025
  • His wife has now been charged with first degree murder and felony concealing an unnatural death.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of unnatural
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Key Polish exports to the U.S. include machinery and mechanical equipment, notably turbojet and turboprop engines.
    — Lidia Kurasinska, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of mechanical

Browse Nearby Words

plasters
plastic
plasticity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plastic. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on plastic

Nglish: Translation of plastic for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about plastic

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