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

Examples 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 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 As a result, the asthenosphere is considered more ductile — or malleable and able to stretch. Matt Benoit, Discover Magazine, 19 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for ductile 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ductile
Adjective
  • Use lunch breaks as an opportunity to step away from your screen, stretch, and take care of yourself.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The spontaneity and variability of play help to recondition, stretch, and strengthen your muscle fascia – that super suit of connective tissue that supports every muscle and organ in your body.
    Kate Ligler, Outside Online, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Fredrik Gran is the robot motion artist and also invented wonderfully pliant robot hands that are good for cello bows and fingerboards.
    Jaron Lanier, WIRED, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Uninfected cysts are typically painless to the touch, whereas boils are more pliant and painful.
    Mark Gurarie, Health, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • So ingredients like fat especially really keeps sugar malleable.
    Bon Appétit, Bon Appétit, 5 Dec. 2024
  • The Bene Gesserit are no doubt banking on that future heir to be favorably malleable.
    Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Create the Washing Solution Fill a sink or plastic tub with tepid or lukewarm water.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 7 Dec. 2024
  • The trays are packaged in a plastic clamshell and include items like pita bread, apricots, olives, feta cheese and individual containers of dips, including the tzatziki sauce.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Remove dough from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature until pliable, about 10 minutes.
    Liv Dansky, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Balsam firs are more pliable than other types of evergreen trees, which helps fit the tree through the door at the state Capitol, which is only 52 inches wide.
    Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The key is to remain adaptable, focused and committed to continuous improvement—both personally and organizationally.
    Nazar Gulyk, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Parenting is about being adaptable, self-reflective, and attentive to your child's unique needs.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The two-piece set has a casual V-neck top and wide-leg pants, showcasing a forgiving elastic waistband that's perfectly stretchy for kicking back in a plane seat or cabin lounge.
    Jean Chen Smith, Travel + Leisure, 6 Dec. 2024
  • The pocketed button-up and pants with an elastic waist are available in regular, petite, and tall lengths, sizes XS-XXXL, and 10 colors.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near ductile

Cite this Entry

“Ductile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ductile. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on ductile

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!