gossamer 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of gossamernext
1
as in gauzy
being of a material lacking in sturdiness or substance fairies are usually depicted as wearing gossamer or tattered clothing

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fluffy
resembling air in lightness the gossamer veil seemed to float about the bride as she walked down the aisle

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3
as in sheer
very thin and easy to see through didn't see the gossamer spider webs until the sun hit them just right

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gossamer

2 of 2

noun

as in froth

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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 gossamer
Adjective
The phrase Silk Road evokes caravans on the horizon spinning a colossal web across the desert, with mountains of gossamer fabrics, ideologies, and discoveries ferried from China to Europe and back. — Sarah Khan, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Nov. 2022 No matter how far-fetched the premise or gossamer-thin the story, the musical invites (compels) us to go along with its essential surrealism, to travel to that dream space where everyday life suddenly moves and sounds deliriously out of this world. — Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 7 May 2020
Noun
There needed to be some consequences; otherwise, the show would become gossamer-thin. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026 The line between excitement and danger is gossamer thin. — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gossamer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gossamer
  1. gauzy
  2. fluffy
  3. sheer
  4. froth
  5. flimsy
  6. transparent
  7. fluff
  8. insubstantial
Adjective
  • Most of the time, senators exercising this role must rely on gauzy assurances and strained analogies to the candidate’s performance in previous positions.
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The late-morning sun peeked through a gauzy veil of fog, bright laughter echoing over the giddy whisper of tulle as the brides posed for pictures outside the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of gauzy
Adjective
  • The fluffy cushions feel like sitting on a cloud, and reviewers have mentioned how easy this durable chair is to set up.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The roll is a brioche that’s soft and fluffy enough on the inside and toasted just to the point of a light char on the outside.
    — Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of fluffy
Adjective
  • Other governments, including the US, have their own rules and disclosure requirements, but beyond the breadth of the controls in China, the sheer number of people affected is striking – and reaches far beyond civil servants.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Just look at the new stand — the sheer size of it shows the club’s ambition.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of sheer
Noun
  • Investors are hopeful that last month’s artificial intelligence unwind skimmed enough of the froth from the market, so that stocks can continue to climb for another few weeks at least.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
  • But the film, which recently premiered internationally at Fantasia, ultimately works up enough of a perverse froth to attract fans of screen fantasy in forms more sophisticatedly packaged than the pulpy norm.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 30 July 2026
Definition of froth
Adjective
  • That can lead to structural problems, from drawer fronts pulling off to flimsy drawer bottoms sagging or falling out under the weight of their contents.
    — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Catios that only cost a few hundred dollars are generally flimsy and won't last long or truly protect against predators.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of flimsy
Adjective
  • It should also be judged by whether agencies themselves become more accountable, more transparent and more competent.
    — Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The union noted the home care clinicians are similarly looking for competitive wages to help recruit and retain experienced clinicians, reasonable caseloads and clear and transparent productivity standards.
    — Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of transparent
Noun
  • After more than a year of use, the pillow can slope slightly overnight; a quick fluff brings it largely back to shape.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Conscious reading means questioning every line, editing unapologetically and removing the fluff your customers don't have time to read.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of fluff
Adjective
  • But too few of those ideas yield satisfying conclusions, resulting in a drama that becomes treacly and insubstantial, reaching for a profundity that remains elusive.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
  • The wall was as insubstantial as a set on a film studio’s back lot.
    — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Definition of insubstantial

Browse Nearby Words

gospels
gossamer
gossamery
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Cite this Entry

“Gossamer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gossamer. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of gossamer for Spanish Speakers

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