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
  • The soft and smooth texture of the material is meant to combine with a stretch mesh material wrapping the graphite within the grip to improve vibration dampening by 5.8%.
    Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Make the goals reasonably outsized and be aspirational so that they are considered stretch goals.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Notably, Assad was pliant to the ayatollahs’ Iran, the theocratic state bent on reshaping the region in the name of Shi’ite jihad.
    Bassem Eid, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This sliding is what leads to the material being ductile (able to be drawn into wires) and malleable (able to be hammered into shapes), which are characteristics of softness.
    John Werner, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Some common types include foam (a supportive high- or medium-density option) and polyfill (a synthetic material that’s cheaper and more malleable than foam).
    Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • Most of all, don’t forget to ask yourself if the blanket is soft and pliable for ease of draping and functional use.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025
  • But despite its arresting looks and unique pliable body, the screen is far from a gimmick with real performance specs to back up its stylish looks.
    Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The job market is always shifting, but staying adaptable gives you the edge.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Influencers are inherently adaptable and quick to pivot to new platforms that offer better opportunities for growth and income.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And the Halftime shorts feature an elastic waist with a drawstring, a mesh lining, two side-seam pockets and the Super Bowl patch.
    Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Design functional and adaptive clothing—Brands can incorporate features that address the specific needs of individuals with disabilities, such as magnetic or Velcro fasteners, elastic waistbands and adjustable hems.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near ductile

Cite this Entry

“Ductile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ductile. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ductile

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