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
  • Make the goals reasonably outsized and be aspirational so that they are considered stretch goals.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
  • They are crafted from stretch synthetic suede for an easy fit and get great reviews for comfort and quality.
    Nora Colomer, Fox News, 30 Dec. 2024
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
  • For the past sixteen years, the vocal ensemble has proved that the voice is as versatile and malleable as any other instrument, if not more so.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Rather than monolithic legacy systems that have preset functionalities, businesses today are looking for malleable systems—ones that can be built, customized and even deconstructed as needs evolve.
    Sabeer Nelliparamban, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Both models also feature swappable mechanical keys and proprietary sixth-gen AeroBlade metal fans for thermals, which Acer says can increase airflow by up to 20 percent compared to plastic fans.
    Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Store raw cranberries in their original packaging (often, a plastic bag) or transfer them to an airtight storage container and zip-top bag.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Prune off brittle brown stems, but leave anything pliable in place for several weeks in case new growth appears.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Building a culture of respect requires the fundamental step of laying the cultural foundation to ensure the right actions and behaviors help build a more resilient, adaptable and high-performing organization.
    Sandy Harvey, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Preparing for Future Demand and Grid Security Meeting today's energy needs also requires a reliable and adaptable grid—a system increasingly under strain.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • While some dresses can be restricting and uncomfortable, the Deacon is anything but the sort, with an easy-fit design and an elastic empire waistband that provides flexibility while still offering some shape.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Not forgiven, but you were accorded a few more days to tidy up your elastic finances.
    Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 4 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near ductile

Cite this Entry

“Ductile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ductile. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ductile

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