gossamer

gossamer

adjective

Definition of GOSSAMER

1

being of a material lacking in sturdiness or substance <fairies are usually depicted as wearing gossamer or tattered clothing>

Synonyms cobwebby, filmy, frothy, gauzy, gossamer, gossamery, insubstantial, sleazy, unsubstantial

Related Words dainty, delicate, fine; feeble, fragile, frail; diaphanous, sheer, transparent

Near Antonyms durable, knockabout, lasting, tough; coarse, heavy, rough, rude

Antonyms sturdy, substantial

2

resembling air in lightness <the gossamer veil seemed to float about the bride as she walked down the aisle>

Synonyms ethereal, fluffy, gossamer, gossamery, light

Related Words cobwebby, dainty, delicate, diaphanous, downy, feathery, flimsy, gauzelike, gauzy, insubstantial, tender, wispy; buoyant, lighter-than-air, lightweight, rarefied, unsubstantial, vaporous, weightless; cumulous, pillowy

Near Antonyms firm, solid, substantial; bulky, burdensome, cumbersome, hefty, hulking, lumpish, ponderous, unwieldy, weighty

Antonyms heavy, leaden

3

very thin and easy to see through <didn't see the gossamer spider webs until the sun hit them just right>

Synonyms cobwebby, diaphanous, filmy, gauzelike, gauzy, gossamer, gossamery, see-through, transparent

Related Words peekaboo; clear, crystal, crystalline, limpid, liquid, lucent, pellucid; lucid, translucent; dainty, delicate, flimsy, fragile, frail, insubstantial, unsubstantial; colorless, uncolored

Near Antonyms opaque; cloudy, foggy, hazy, misty, murky, nebulous, smoky (also smokey); drab, dull, lackluster, lusterless