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 Archaeological evidence shows that by 8000 B.C., Neolithic humans began incorporating this malleable metal into their daily lives, later crafting tools that replaced their stone predecessors. Ed MacHa, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 Even so, Trump is malleable and can change his tune on a dime. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 Lieblich is a voracious language hound: In their hands words are a kind of silly putty, malleable and sticky, fungible and fun. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2025 Every adult understands that quotidian lives are a complex jumble of truths and lies, and that honesty, secrets and privacy are malleable given the situation, but that’s not something a child learns overnight, which makes Marielle’s predicament especially disorienting. Jay D. Weissberg, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for malleable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malleable
Adjective
  • But that’s not the case with all Affiliated Food’s suppliers —several have already notified the company of price increases because of tariffs, including bananas and canned tuna, as well as plastic utensils.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The pieces had come from the beach in Hawaii, where Dr. Garcia and others collected 1,800 pounds of plastic debris and 500 pounds of netting.
    Nina Agrawal, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Chenier said Family First Center is trying to be adaptable in the event that federal funding is cut.
    Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Lean, efficient, and adaptable organizations will thrive.
    Frank Sorrentino, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • These include widespread access to affordable childcare, generous parental leave shared between both parents, and flexible work arrangements.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Be flexible with plans: Be patient and accept that last-minute cancellations may happen due to unpredictable flare-ups.
    Robert Burakoff, Health, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Malleable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malleable. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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