alloy

7 synonyms and 1 antonym for alloy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A metal made by melting and mixing two or more elements together, at least one of which is a metal.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

metal

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

composite blend compound

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

amalgam admixture debase

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A metal made by melting and mixing two or more elements together, at least one of which is a metal.

“Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.”

composite amalgam blend compound metal admixture

Opposites

purity

2. verb

To combine metals together, or to weaken something pure by mixing in something of lesser quality.

“Gold is often alloyed with silver or copper to make it more durable.”

debase

How to use alloy

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

metal alloy alloy wheels alloyed with

Etymology

From Old French aloi, related to Latin alligare, "to bind together" — the same root as "ally".

Full origin of alloy →

Frequently asked questions

What does “alloy” mean?

The word “alloy” means a metal made by melting and mixing two or more elements together, at least one of which is a metal. In plain terms, a blend of metals melted together to get properties neither metal has alone.

How do you pronounce “alloy”?

“Alloy” is pronounced A-loy (/ˈæ.lɔɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “alloy” in a sentence?

Here is “alloy” used in a sentence: “Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.”

What part of speech is “alloy”?

Depending on how it is used, “alloy” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “alloy” come from?

The word “alloy” comes from Latin. From Old French aloi, related to Latin alligare, "to bind together" — the same root as "ally".

Is “alloy” a common word?

“Alloy” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “alloy” have?

“Alloy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a metal made by melting and mixing two or more elements together, at least one of which is a metal.

What is the difference between an alloy and a metal?

A metal is typically a pure element, such as iron or copper, while an alloy is created by melting and mixing two or more elements together, at least one of which is a metal. Alloys are made deliberately to achieve properties, such as strength or resistance to corrosion, that the individual metals lack on their own.

What are some common examples of alloys?

Well-known alloys include steel, made from iron and carbon, and bronze, made from copper and tin. These combinations are chosen because mixing the elements produces material properties superior to those of the individual metals alone.

Can "alloy" be used as a verb?

Yes, "to alloy" means to combine metals together, or figuratively, to weaken something pure by mixing in something of lesser quality. The figurative sense often appears in writing about compromised ideals or diluted qualities.

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metal compound blend composite purity amalgam debase admixture

Nearby words

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