matte

variants: or matt

Definition of matte

(Entry 1 of 3)

variant spellings of mat entry 3 1

matte

adjective

variants: or less commonly mat or matt \ ˈmat

Definition of matte (Entry 2 of 3)

: lacking or deprived of luster (see luster entry 2 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

dim, dull, dulled, flat, lusterless

Antonyms: Adjective

glossy, lustrous, shiny, sleek

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

There’s also a bronzer compact called Give Me Life and the shade is a soft, matte golden bronze that can be used all over or just as a contour. — Shannon Barbour, The Cut, "Who’s Ready for ‘Sandy Crotch’ Eye Shadow?," 31 May 2018 To achieve a soft, matte effect, the lightweight mousse glides on and sets with a powdery matte finish that looks and feels like skin. — Marissa Miller, Teen Vogue, "Giorgio Armani Beauty Face Fabric Is Officially Back," 15 Mar. 2018 The details are humble and un-flashy, too; buttery soft, matte leather, a notch lapel, a patch chest pocket, and a single breasted closure. — Megan Gustashaw, GQ, "Daniel Craig's Other Big News: He's Bringing Back the Leather Blazer," 16 Aug. 2017 The formula is really hydrating and leaves behind a satin finish that isn't too matte or too glossy. — Carly Cardellino, Cosmopolitan, "The Hottest Fall Lip Colors To Wear Now," 11 Nov. 2013

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Try Caesarstone’s concrete options for a matte finish minus the fuss. — The Good Housekeeping Institute, Good Housekeeping, "GH Seal Spotlight: Caesarstone Countertops," 5 Apr. 2019 This ladies’ sports watch is made of matte black ceramic with red gold accents and a sharp-looking diamond set into the crown. — Cara Barrett And Stephen Pulvirent | Hodinkee, ELLE Decor, "This Matte Black Ceramic Watch Is the Epitome of Sporty Elegance," 22 Oct. 2018 The long-staple cotton is finished to be very, very matte. — Kelsey Keith, Curbed, "My holy grail bed sheets—that friends also love," 23 Aug. 2018 The formula also contains rose and lavender wax, with a matte texture that isn’t dry and actually softens the lips. — Shannon Barbour, The Cut, "Rodin Olio Lusso Released 5 New, Beautiful Lipsticks," 7 Feb. 2018 Next, apply a pearl-sized amount of TIGI Bed Head Manipulator Matte and rub back and forth, and down the twist to tighten it and give a matte texture. — Samantha Leal, Marie Claire, "The Secret to Miley's Over-the-Top Ponytail—Straight from Her Stylist," 31 Aug. 2015 The finish and feel of chalk paint is more like a white acrylic matte paint. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "So What Exactly is Milk Paint?," 27 Mar. 2019 And the finishes — high-gloss on the walls and matte on the ceiling — provide contrast. — Kristina Orrego, The Seattle Times, "Move over statement walls, ceilings are the hot new focal point," 12 Feb. 2019 Also, Razer representatives told me that the rear panel on an upcoming variant (with more storage) will receive a matte finish but still retain wireless charging. — Stefan Etienne, The Verge, "Razer Phone 2 review: it glows, but it doesn’t shine," 22 Oct. 2018

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.