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

The top touchscreen display, with a matte finish, is used solely for maps, parking camera, and phone calls. — Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, "Variable-compression engine meets crossover: Infiniti QX50 review," 8 Nov. 2018 Or, starting this winter, a trio of sumptuous matte lipsticks. — Zoe Ruffner, Vogue, "Makeup Star Lisa Eldridge Launches 3 Velvet Red Lipsticks—Just in Time for the Holidays," 14 Nov. 2018 The collection consists of eight matte lipsticks in shades from Pure Coral to Vanilla Pink and Nude Brick, going for 15,000 won or about $13. — Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, "BTS and K-Beauty Brand VT Cosmetics Is Launching More Makeup," 10 Oct. 2018 But my recent obsession is this pure, creamy, liquid gold from Kevyn Aucoin, which is one of the very, very few matte lipsticks that is also shockingly hydrating. — Chloe Metzger, Marie Claire, "The 5 Truly Excellent Beauty Products I'm Loving This Week," 10 Oct. 2018 Remember how Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade teamed up with luggage company Away on a line of slicker-than matte black suitcases this summer? — Laura Dannen Redman, Condé Nast Traveler, "Dwyane Wade on His New Away Collection, His Summer Travels, and Why It's So Damn Hard to Pack His Shoes," 25 Sep. 2018 The new collection features a new eye shadow palette, matte lipsticks, liquid lipsticks, a highlighter, and liquid eyeshadow. hi beautiful! — Tamara Fuentes, Seventeen, "Kylie Jenner Has Her Own Instagram Filter and It’s Totally Fire," 1 Aug. 2018 Throughout her campaign, debates and her celebration party on Tuesday night, Ocasio-Cortez has been confidently sporting a bright red, matte lipstick shade. — Jillian Ruffo, PEOPLE.com, "Congressional Primary Victor Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Reveals Her Power Red Lipstick Shade," 27 June 2018 In February, Fenty Beauty reposted an Instagram photo of Shudu wearing one of its plush matte lipsticks. — Joy Sewing, Houston Chronicle, "Meet Shudu, the world's first digital supermodel," 26 June 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.