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 While that is still at the heart of the offering, live events lime NFL games on Christmas Day, as well as a slate of games, require a more malleable approach. —Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2025 And often, the boundaries between these types of parenting styles are malleable. —Kara Nesvig, Parents, 5 May 2025 Time and time again, these dogs were found to be older in age, often ignored in favor of younger and more malleable canines available for adoption. —Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 May 2025 Mimi is quiet and demure, and therefore quite malleable by music execs. —Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for malleable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malleable
  1. plastic
  2. adaptable
  3. flexible
Adjective
  • Yeti Yonder Water Bottle Yeti loyalists, rejoice: The renowned cooler and insulated water bottle brand also has a plastic, freezeable option.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2025
  • Use a sharp garden trowel and dispose of the plants in a plastic bag.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 11 June 2025
Definition of plastic
Adjective
  • By strategically integrating emerging technologies, building robust security, and creating an adaptable environment, companies can not only withstand disruptions but also seize new opportunities.
    — Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • This pendant light is adaptable to sloped ceilings, has an adjustable height, and can be dimmed to deliver the perfect overhead glow day or night.
    — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
Definition of adaptable
Adjective
  • Everything has to be centred on them, perhaps with a flexible back three with three attacking midfielders: Havertz as a false nine, Musiala half left, Wirtz half right.
    — Philipp Lahm, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • The spacious, luminous cabin measures 800 cubic feet with a 6-foot-5-inch ceiling, comfortably accommodating four or more passengers in a luxurious, flexible layout.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 June 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 18 Jun. 2025.

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