MALLEABLE Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

malleable

adjective

ˈma-lē-ə-bəl

Definition of malleable next

as in plastic

capable of being easily molded or modeled malleable cookie dough

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 But the commute-penalty research demonstrates that moms’ ability to work depends greatly on practical, often malleable, aspects of how that work fits into their daily life. —

Stephanie H. Murray, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025 In any case, wood is a malleable and highly evocative material that’s just distant enough in our cultural memory to be dependably transportive. —

Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 15 Dec. 2025 Country music, like its audience, was and is politically malleable. —

Time, 6 Dec. 2025 The uncle, Humphrey, is solicitous, but Leonora prefers the nephew, James, who is golden-haired, malleable, and of uncertain sexuality. —

Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for malleable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for malleable

Adjective

Ebern Designs Slim Laundry Hamper With Lid This sleek hamper looks far better than a traditional plastic basket, and the lid keeps piles of clothes out of sight when guests are over.

— Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
More than two dozen dogs were found deceased in a large pile in plastic bags in the backyard of a home in the Beauregard community of Lee County, Ala.

— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026