plastic

adjective

Definition of plasticnext
1
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
2
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

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 plastic Use a breathable paper or mesh bag, not plastic, to store your hyacinth bulbs. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2025 In South Broward County, Gladys Vasquez of Miramar clutches a plastic grocery bag and says the contents continue to cost more, listing foods like cheese and yogurt. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025 The plastic grip and silicone net are weather-resistant and safely keep phones in place, and customer support is available 24/7. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 The most dramatic of these was when he was hit in the face by a plastic bottle thrown by a spectator, staying upright and appearing unaffected. —Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plastic
  1. waxy
  2. mock
  3. strained
  4. adaptable
  5. fake
  6. malleable
  7. unnatural
  8. mechanical
Adjective
  • Adults have a waxy cottony-looking coating, while immature bugs are smaller but similar.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
  • As broadleaf evergreens, rhododendrons have developed a waxy coat on their leaves to help prevent water loss.
    — Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of waxy
Adjective
  • Without further ado, here is the sixth iteration of mock drafts, with this being the mock draft just before the final one, which will be put out on the day of the draft.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Here’s our latest projections, in the Star-Telegram’s mock draft 2.0: FIRST ROUND 1.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of mock
Adjective
  • Forbes reported that the relationship between Natalia and the Mans family became strained in 2023, the same year the couple officially adopted her.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Overtourism is a serious concern, particularly for smaller ports, where large crowds can have a significant impact, leading to strained infrastructure and affecting local quality of life.
    — Jessica Benavides Canepa, AFAR Media, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • Long-Term Resilience Prioritizing upskilling prepares you for a resilient future with adaptable employees ready to take on evolving roles.
    — Danny Asnani, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • This tough, adaptable evergreen is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and requires no pruning or pampering.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of adaptable
Adjective
  • This dog sofa features furniture-quality construction, with fake leather upholstery, memory foam internal padding and legs to hold it off the floor.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Expect more fake eggs made of colored marshmallows or even potatoes on this year’s Easter spread With egg prices stubbornly high, the internet has offered up a host of alternatives, with crafters painting rocks and influencers dyeing everything from marshmallows to potatoes.
    — William Lambers, Hartford Courant, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Unlike most bias-mitigation efforts that prioritize English, this dataset is malleable, with human translations for testing a wider breadth of languages and cultures.
    — Reece Rogers, Wired News, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Studies have also shown that physicians’ imaging behaviors are malleable.
    — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of malleable
Adjective
  • In an alternative '90s, dark waters from the underground scientific facility have risen to flood the town and deliver a menagerie of natural and unnatural nightmares.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • In this type of thinking, the desire to be alone is seen as unnatural and unhealthy, something to be pitied or feared rather than valued or encouraged.
    — Virginia Thomas, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of unnatural
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
  • New talent: We were introduced to Lederer this year and were totally in awe of his amazing mechanical wonders.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of mechanical

Browse Nearby Words

plasters
plastic
plasticity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plastic. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of plastic for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about plastic

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