matte

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variants: or matt

Definition of matte

(Entry 1 of 3)

variant spellings of mat entry 3 1

matte

adjective

\ ˈmat

variants: or less commonly mat or matt

Definition of matte (Entry 2 of 3)

: lacking or deprived of luster (see luster entry 1 sense 1) or gloss: such as

a : having a usually smooth even surface free from shine or highlights matte metals a matte finish

b : having a rough or granular (see granular sense 1) surface

matte

noun

\ ˈmat

Definition of matte (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : a crude mixture of sulfides formed in smelting sulfide ores of metals (such as copper, lead, or nickel)

2 : a motion-picture effect in which part of a scene is blocked out and later replaced by footage containing other material (such as a background painting)

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about matte

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Synonyms & Antonyms for matte

Synonyms: Adjective

Antonyms: Adjective

Examples of matte in a Sentence

Adjective a photograph with a matte finish I chose a paint with a matte finish so the walls wouldn't be too shiny.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective That Far Outlasts Any Candle With its matte ceramic finish and streamlined organic shape, this easy-to-use diffuser looks good enough to be left out even when not in use. — Nicola Fumo, Forbes, "20 Great Gift Ideas For Mother’s Day 2021," 12 Apr. 2021 The deployant buckle has been left largely matte, except for one small surface that glimmers like the watch case. — Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, "From Sharp Looks to Precise Movements, Grand Seiko’s Elegance Watches Are a Serious Value Buy," 17 Mar. 2021 Unlike the original version of the pimple patches, which is supposed to be used overnight, the invisible option is clear and matte, designed to be used in the daytime. — Ambar Pardilla, NBC News, "What is an FSA? How to get started shopping online with FSAs," 8 Mar. 2021 With Satchel looking elegant in a matte black silk, floral gauze gown and Jackson wearing the brand’s Grottesco jacquard on a robe-like jacket, the siblings had an innate star quality that bodes well for their fashion future. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "The 20 Best Dressed Stars at the 2021 Golden Globes," 1 Mar. 2021 Tis the day to pucker up with one of Target’s best-selling vegan lipstick brands that goes on smooth and silky with a fully matte finish. — Marissa Miller, USA TODAY, "15 amazing Valentine's Day gifts to buy from Black-owned brands," 4 Feb. 2021 When your skin is perfectly matte but dewy, define your brows with Anastasia Beverly Hills’s Dip Brow Gel, Brow Definer, and Clear Brow Gel. — Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, "All of Michelle Obama's Inauguration Beauty Secrets, Revealed," 22 Jan. 2021 The matte-black edition was created with Leica’s Q2 Monochrom in mind. — Jennifer Pastore, WSJ, "What to Get a Photography Buff for the Holidays," 22 Dec. 2020 Some sanding may also be required to remove a glossier sheen before applying a flat or matte product. — Michael Pollick, chicagotribune.com, "The best exterior house paint," 19 Dec. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The new pant styles hit the sweet spot of comfort, polish, and easy living, given that the fabric is stretchable, comfortable, and sports a matte finish. — Rachel King, Fortune, "Comfortable work-from-home clothes you can still wear when you’re back in the office," 10 Apr. 2021 After spotting a rich green in a Benjamin Moore showroom as part of a matte-finish-only paint line, Kletzien decided to color match it in a satin option that’s more durable for cabinetry. — Zlata Naumovski, House Beautiful, "An Emerald Green Kitchen by SuzAnn Kletzien That Will Have You Swearing Off Blue," 8 Apr. 2021 It's made from Girlfriend Collective's signature FLOAT fabric, which is buttery soft with a matte finish. — Travel + Leisure, "This Athletic Dress Can Keep Up With You During Tough Workouts, Hikes, Sports, and More — Here’s Where to Shop," 4 Apr. 2021 Since nickel is associated with a high shine, this silverware will have a more matte finish. — Nicole Briese, USA TODAY, "You can get a 51-piece silverware set for less than $40 right now," 2 Apr. 2021 Appliances have a matte finish, gold hardware and touchscreen technology. — Zoe Malin, NBC News, "Notable launches from Nintendo, Uniqlo, Madewell, Blueair, Schick and more," 22 Mar. 2021 Despite its matte finish, the primer is made with hydrating and soothing hyaluronic acid, green tea extract and vitamin E. — Rania Aniftos, Billboard, "Selena Gomez Gushes Over Rare Beauty's New Always an Optimist Pore Diffusing Primer," 2 Apr. 2021 Available in both matte and metallic finishes, the duffel is made with polyester material that’s lightweight and scratch-resistant. — Travel + Leisure, "The 20 Best Duffel Bags for Travel, According to Reviews," 12 Mar. 2021 Flat and matte finishes absorb light for a smooth, elegant, look. — Tamara Gane, Southern Living, "Expert Advice on Choosing the Right Paint Finish," 12 Mar. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'matte.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.