1
as in shaggy
covered with or as if with hair
that gray, cottony spot on the bread is mold
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in silky
smooth or delicate in appearance or feel
fluffy, cottony hair
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cottony
Those without leaves store water in their stems.) Check the plants for disease and infestations, including mealy bugs, which look like a cottony, white substance, and powdery mildew, which initially appears as white circles on leaves and stems.
—
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025
These small insects have a waxy, white, cottony appearance and can usually be found in clusters on the underside of leaves and in stem joints.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2025
An egg mass of the citrus mealybug looks like a small, white, cottony mass on the underside of a leaf.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2024
There, the thickly forested ranges perched on a shelf of cottony clouds, offering a view of the mountaintop complex modeled after 16th century Vietnamese pagodas, including a 10-story belfry, a network of stone staircases and a giant seated Buddha.
—Patrick Scott, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2023
Ladybugs have also been introduced to the Galapagos to reduce cottony cushion scale and have been beneficial there as well.
—Susan Pransky, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2023
Come springtime, a perimeter of blossoming dogwoods will enfold the clearing in a cottony veil.
—Curbed, 13 Nov. 2022
Buy medium eggplant that is not cottony or bruised.
—The View, ABC News, 14 Jan. 2022
Mealy bugs are distinguished by the white wax covering their body and egg sacs that give them a cottony appearance.
—oregonlive, 11 Nov. 2019
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025
These small insects have a waxy, white, cottony appearance and can usually be found in clusters on the underside of leaves and in stem joints.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2025
An egg mass of the citrus mealybug looks like a small, white, cottony mass on the underside of a leaf.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2024
There, the thickly forested ranges perched on a shelf of cottony clouds, offering a view of the mountaintop complex modeled after 16th century Vietnamese pagodas, including a 10-story belfry, a network of stone staircases and a giant seated Buddha.
—Patrick Scott, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2023
Ladybugs have also been introduced to the Galapagos to reduce cottony cushion scale and have been beneficial there as well.
—Susan Pransky, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2023
Come springtime, a perimeter of blossoming dogwoods will enfold the clearing in a cottony veil.
—Curbed, 13 Nov. 2022
Buy medium eggplant that is not cottony or bruised.
—The View, ABC News, 14 Jan. 2022
Mealy bugs are distinguished by the white wax covering their body and egg sacs that give them a cottony appearance.
—oregonlive, 11 Nov. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cottony
Adjective
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There’s also a great romantic sub-plot involving Andy torn between two dudes, the shaggy, non-industry, great grill-cheesemaking Nate (Entourage‘s Adrian Grenier) and a fellow fashion industry colleague Christian Thompson played by Simon Baker.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
30 June 2025
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The boy, whose head is full of shaggy black hair, is the youngest in his household of six.—
Mathew Miranda,
Sacbee.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Coco Jones leans into soft-glam, using bronzed lids and radiant finishes to complement her silky vocals.—
Essence,
Essence,
27 June 2025
-
Soft, stretchy, and silky smooth, AirEssentials is definitely worth the hype.—
Jessica Kasparian,
SELF,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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The larvae are usually about an 1/8-inch long, tan and covered in hairy bristles.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
22 June 2025
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This isn’t the first time that forest-dwelling creatures inspired by Nordic folklore have become a global pop-culture sensation in the form of collectible hairy figurines that are grotesque and cute at the same time.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Pop a satin version on top of your usual night-out curls to make the 'do feel glamorous.—
Jasmine Washington,
Seventeen,
18 Jan. 2023
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From satin pillowcases to a hydrating moisturizer, all of these products are on sale for less than $25.—
Isabel Garcia,
Peoplemag,
13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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While investors are hoping for a soft landing in the U.S. economy, how severe might the outcome be if another recession occurs?—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
-
Pottery Barn Airy Cotton Duvet Cover Crafted from 100 percent cotton, this 200-thread count duvet cover is breathable, low-maintenance, soft, and suitable for year-round use.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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In the center of all those pointy twigs will be a cup shape of soft and downy materials that will cradle the eggs and the new babies.—
Joan Morris,
Mercury News,
21 Apr. 2025
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Two tall sandhill crane parents strutted through the marsh, their downy red colt toddling behind them.—
Anne Readel,
Smithsonian Magazine,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cottony.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cottony. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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