gilded 1 of 2

adjective

variants or gilt
Definition of gildednext
1
as in gold
covered in a thin layer of gold An antique mirror in a gilded frame hung over the marble fireplace.

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2
as in wealthy
coming from or characterized by wealth and luxury The exclusive nightclub was a popular hangout among the city's gilded youth. The grand hotel has been lovingly restored to its former gilded splendor.

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gilded

2 of 2

verb

variants or gilt
past tense of gild
1
as in varnished

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2
as in painted

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of gilded
Adjective
The bathroom brings that rich blue into focus with its gilded vanity and various textures. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026 The movie trots along like an obliging corgi pup; TV director Gregor and DP Zac Nicholson give it a gilded mark of quality. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026 Lord of the Rings alum and current SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin learned that lesson the hard way, coming up under the gilded wing of Hollywood legend Patty Duke. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 The commission also recommended, as an alternative, shortening the arch itself while making the gilded statue even taller—a compromise that would leave the arch squat beneath a top-heavy sculpture. — Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gilded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gilded
  1. gold
  2. wealthy
  3. varnished
  4. painted
  5. golden
  6. affluent
  7. whitewashed
  8. embroidered
Adjective
  • The silhouette featured subtle draping at the waist and a flowing, relaxed skirt, paired with a small metallic gold clutch and large gold earrings.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Keeping her styling consistent, Kardashian completed the outfit with a green chainmail headpiece featuring gold accents.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of gold
Adjective
  • Agnes’s gay son, Oscar, has decided to marry wealthy widow and former lady’s maid Enid, whose social ambitions will benefit from the prestige gloss of Oscar’s last name.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • But there is another ballot measure that also would tax California’s wealthiest citizens that is getting far less attention — and has even garnered support from some billionaires who oppose Proposition 40.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of wealthy
Verb
  • Although pest control companies offer lethal solutions such as carpenter bee traps or chemical treatments, the best way to keep carpenter bees from bugging you is using stained, sealed, varnished or treated wood in building projects.
    — Sarah Linn April 24, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Reaching the island is all part of the fun too, requiring you to hop aboard a vintage, slickly varnished wooden boat at Balmaha and schedule a pick-up time for the way back.
    — Rosie Conroy, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of varnished
Verb
  • Present-day designer Philippe Starck is credited with the modern update of the hotel’s aesthetic and his daughter Ara painted a large ceiling tapestry for the restaurant.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • An Airbus plane painted in Spirit Airlines' livery sits at an AerSale's facility in Goodyear, Arizona.
    — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of painted
Adjective
  • The flesh becomes incredibly tender, almost custard-like in texture, while the skin turns a rich golden brown and becomes slightly crispy.
    — Rachel Gurjar, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
  • While the changing seasons in northern states are marked by vibrant red, burnt orange and golden yellow leaves, Florida’s fall season is noted by temperatures that are actually bearable for spending time outside.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of golden
Adjective
  • The backstory This property has quite the history—originally built in 1868, its roots date back to the Gilded Age era when affluent families summered here (and big names like the Vanderbilts and the Astors took up residence nearby).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Lamont and Republican gubernatorial contender Ryan Fazio, both from the affluent Fairfield County suburb of Greenwich, share the conviction that taxing the rich would spark an exodus of wealthy households from Connecticut.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of affluent
Verb
  • Boutique brand Katikies has brought the success of its sister hotel in Oia, Santorini, to Mykonos, with a spacious, whitewashed sanctuary on the island’s southwest coast.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The one-bedroom space is minimal, deliberately quiet, and whitewashed.
    — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of whitewashed
Verb
  • Among the most memorable ensembles were a black gown with a skeletal rib cage embroidered across the torso and a floral cape paired with a cathedral-like headdress, injecting funerary imagery into Michele’s signature maximalism.
    — Livia Caligor, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Related Articles Jenner joined her daughter in an equally dramatic look, sporting a black and white velvet hooded cape with two scorpions embroidered across the chest.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of embroidered

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Gilded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gilded. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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