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: pliable, flexible, moldable, 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

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

2. Compare ductile

Other Word Forms

• malleably adverb
• malleability noun
• malleableness noun
• nonmalleable adjective
• unmalleable 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

That doesn’t mean that modern moviegoing should be intimidating, only that it’s malleable, and that you can be just as flexible with the films you see.

From Salon

He appears on right-wing networks to voice outrage over new storylines and interpretations in the endlessly malleable world of comics whenever they edge a little too close to progressive ideology.

From Salon

So get what will establish that first — be malleable.

From Los Angeles Times

Among the final five players, one apparently malleable contender is paired with a serial killer whom Chishiya recognizes from the news, and the other has hooked up with a con man.

From Salon

When a frightening number of Americans equate goodness with power and dominance, what it means to be good becomes malleable.

From Salon

Related Words

• adaptable 
• flexible 
• supple 
• workable