malleable

[ mal-ee-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. capable of being extended or shaped by hammering or by pressure from rollers.
2. adaptable or tractable:

   the malleable mind of a child.

   Synonyms: moldable, pliable, flexible, impressionable

   Antonyms: intractable, refractory

malleable

/ ˈmælɪəbəl /

adjective

1. (esp of metal) able to be worked, hammered, or shaped under pressure or blows without breaking
2. able to be influenced; pliable or tractable

malleable

/ măl′ē-ə-bəl /

1. Capable of great deformation without breaking, when subject to compressive stress . Gold is the most malleable metal.
2. Compare ductile

Derived Forms

• ˈmalleably, adverb
• ˌmalleaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• malle·a·bly adverb
• malle·a·bili·ty malle·a·ble·ness noun
• non·malle·a·ble adjective
• un·malle·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of malleable¹

1350–1400; Middle English malliable < Medieval Latin malleābilis, equivalent to malle ( āre ) to hammer (derivative of Latin malleus hammer) + -ābilis -able

Word History and Origins

Origin of malleable¹

C14: via Old French from Medieval Latin malleābilis, from Latin malleus hammer

Example Sentences

So rather than scowling and catastrophizing, I’m turning toward relaxing my face and mind, as well as donating to causes that pull at my heart, knowing that all emotions are malleable, especially when we’re able to anchor ourselves in the present.

From Los Angeles Times

When it comes to lamination, the technique used for puff pastry and croissants, Vu said, "It’s best to use cold but malleable butter. Bakers will often beat or quickly paddle the butter in a stand mixer to soften it while it’s still cold."

From Salon

On the other hand, Caivano told Salon that both Harris and Trump "operate within the ideological framework inherited from the early American republic" in the sense that they are philosophically malleable.

From Salon

It's the story of Cohn, who at the top of his game adopts and mentors the vacuous and malleable Donald Trump.

From Salon

It's the story of Cohn, who at the top of his game adopts and mentors the vacuous and malleable Donald Trump.

From Salon

Related Words

• adaptable
• flexible
• supple
• workable