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gossamer 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of gossamernext
1
as in gauzy
being of a material lacking in sturdiness or substance fairies are usually depicted as wearing gossamer or tattered clothing

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fluffy
resembling air in lightness the gossamer veil seemed to float about the bride as she walked down the aisle

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sheer
very thin and easy to see through didn't see the gossamer spider webs until the sun hit them just right

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

gossamer

2 of 2

noun

as in froth

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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 gossamer
Adjective
The type of memory flashbacks that are shot at knee level, gauzy and out of focus, with a gossamer visual touch to conjure whispering, buried emotions of the past. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026 In Frida Kahlo’s self-portrait from 1940, two gossamer lepidoptera have alighted on her head. — Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2025
Noun
There needed to be some consequences; otherwise, the show would become gossamer-thin. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026 The line between excitement and danger is gossamer thin. — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gossamer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gossamer
  1. gauzy
  2. fluffy
  3. sheer
  4. froth
  5. flimsy
  6. transparent
  7. fluff
  8. insubstantial
Adjective
  • Beginning on her left side, the skirt boasted a waist-high, diagonal leg slit with a gauzy underlayer that showcased her peep-toe heels.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Most of the time, senators exercising this role must rely on gauzy assurances and strained analogies to the candidate’s performance in previous positions.
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of gauzy
Adjective
  • The pillow-top mattress, fluffy duvet, and king-size pillows were also heavenly.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Lisa paired her sheer gown with a voluminous red fluffy coat that fanned several feet behind her.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of fluffy
Adjective
  • The large number of undecided voters this close to the election points to voters being overwhelmed by the sheer number of statewide ballot measures, DiCamillo said.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • But the sheer volume of planning in Miami has also raised questions about power and the role Cubans on the island will play in a transition.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of sheer
Noun
  • Investors are hopeful that last month’s artificial intelligence unwind skimmed enough of the froth from the market, so that stocks can continue to climb for another few weeks at least.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
  • But the film, which recently premiered internationally at Fantasia, ultimately works up enough of a perverse froth to attract fans of screen fantasy in forms more sophisticatedly packaged than the pulpy norm.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 30 July 2026
Definition of froth
Adjective
  • The flames of perdition, fueled by guilt, estrangement, and repression, lap at society’s sham institutions and flimsy fronts of civility.
    — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • None of us should get too attached to our flimsy little Y chromosome.
    — Mike McRae September 20, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of flimsy
Adjective
  • Others called for a transparent investigation into the Police Department’s relationship with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
    — Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 29 Sep. 2026
  • One appeared to feature a transparent aperture consistent with an infrared or electro-optical sensor.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of transparent
Noun
  • Bringing in a specialized agency gave us an unvarnished, external perspective to audit our messaging, stress-test executive positioning and call out corporate fluff.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But worn sheets, flat pillows, and a comforter that’s lost its fluff can make winding down less inviting.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of fluff
Adjective
  • Tying all this to a generic RPG progression system full of constant but insubstantial upgrades and resources feels more like busywork than anything else.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026
  • But too few of those ideas yield satisfying conclusions, resulting in a drama that becomes treacly and insubstantial, reaching for a profundity that remains elusive.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Definition of insubstantial

Browse Nearby Words

gospels
gossamer
gossamery
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Cite this Entry

“Gossamer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gossamer. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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