variants
or less commonly mat
or matt
: 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
1
: a crude mixture of sulfides formed in smelting sulfide ores of metals (such as copper, lead, or nickel)
2
: a movie effect in which part of a scene is blocked out and later replaced by footage containing other material (such as a background painting)
Synonyms of matte
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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
Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026
The long-wearing formula sets to a semi-matte finish that resists oil and humidity, too.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Nov. 2025
Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026
Those familiar with Prager’s work will recognize hallmarks of her visual flourishes, from the matte-painting backdrops to the feeling that everything is taking place out of time.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for matte
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Adjective
Its 85-inch QLED display features a highly matte anti-glare screen, so your art and movies look lifelike without annoying reflections.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026
The long-wearing formula sets to a semi-matte finish that resists oil and humidity, too.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Nov. 2025
Noun
Separately, curtains and wallpaper adorned in smaller-scale patterns and matte finishes tend to read calmer than glossy or metallic treatments that can introduce noise and disarray.
—Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026
Those familiar with Prager’s work will recognize hallmarks of her visual flourishes, from the matte-painting backdrops to the feeling that everything is taking place out of time.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for matte
Cite this Entry
“Matte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matte. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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