malleable

adjective

ˈma-lē-ə-bəl How to pronounce malleable (audio)
Definition of malleablenext
1
as in plastic
capable of being easily molded or modeled malleable cookie dough

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adjustable
capable of being readily changed the cult leader took advantage of the malleable, compliant personalities of his followers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective malleable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of malleable are adaptable, ductile, plastic, pliable, and pliant. While all these words mean "susceptible of being modified in form or nature," malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

the malleable properties of gold

When is it sensible to use adaptable instead of malleable?

The synonyms adaptable and malleable are sometimes interchangeable, but adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.

computer hardware that is adaptable

When would ductile be a good substitute for malleable?

Although the words ductile and malleable have much in common, ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

In what contexts can plastic take the place of malleable?

The words plastic and malleable can be used in similar contexts, but 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 might pliable be a better fit than malleable?

While the synonyms pliable and malleable are close in meaning, pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.

pliable rubber tubing

When can pliant be used instead of malleable?

The words pliant and malleable 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 malleable Mimi is quiet and demure, and therefore quite malleable by music execs. —Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025 Are these bingeable and malleable like the somewhat disastrous but ambitious fourth season of Arrested Development? —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2025 The entire history of online culture is a cautionary tale about how little distance there is between ironic and real appreciation, and Bateman has always been a more malleable icon than most. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 6 May 2025 The new regime has not yet cemented its control over the country, and its political positions seem malleable. —David Makovsky, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for malleable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malleable
  1. plastic
  2. adaptable
  3. flexible
Adjective
  • Moreover, these plastic threads less than 5 millimeters long, are released in billions with every laundry cycle.
    — Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Chard can be stored in the refrigerator for two or three days, wrapped in moistened paper towels and placed in an unsealed plastic bag.
    — Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
Definition of plastic
Adjective
  • One smart way to sell qualifications is to communicate the willingness to be adaptable to innovations and tactical strategies.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Additionally, adaptable technology providers should offer scalability and customization, which allows brands to grow while leveraging increasingly sophisticated automation and analytics tools.
    — Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 21 May 2025
Definition of adaptable
Adjective
  • Despite its grandeur, over the centuries the palace proved to be a flexible structure, capable of accommodating additions, splits, partitions, changes of ownership and use.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
  • After all, supportive sneakers for walking through a city, flexible pants for long-haul flights, and versatile pieces that can be worn multiple times throughout a trip are essentials on any packing list.
    — Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
Definition of flexible

Browse Nearby Words

malleability
malleable
mallet
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Cite this Entry

“Malleable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malleable. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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