PLASTIC Synonyms: 128 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

plastic

adjective

Definition of plastic next

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

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

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 plastic In a related action, Alijah A. Coleman, 19, Chicago, was charged with manufacture/delivery of cannabis/more than 100 grams after officers recovered 21 plastic sandwich bags containing 165 grams of cannabis, about 50 empty sandwich bags and two digital scales, police said. —

Dennis Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025 The investigation comes in response to whistleblower accounts of the deaths of dozens of marine animals, including sharks that starved to death and dozens of other animals that likely suffocated in plastic bags during transport from another SeaQuest aquarium. —

Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Jan. 2025 Police recovered three plastic bags of crack cocaine from Gathers. —

Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 14 Jan. 2025 This durable, unbreakable plastic piggy bank features a cute and colorful design that my children loved as their first place to store money. —

Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for plastic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for plastic

Adjective

The herb has evolved to withstand drought, with waxy leaves that minimize water loss and a deep root system that can access moisture even in poor soil.

— Nina Foster, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024
For a chunkier mash, red potatoes, which are waxy with a lower starch content, hold their shape nicely when boiled.

— Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2024