bald
8 synonyms and 2 antonyms for bald, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Having little or no hair on the head.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Having little or no hair on the head.
“He started going bald in his late twenties.”
Opposites
2. adj
Plain and direct, without any softening detail.
“She gave a bald statement of the facts, with no excuses.”
Opposites
How to use bald
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
going bald
bald statement
bald tyre
bald patch
Etymology
From Middle English balled, of uncertain origin — likely related to an old word for "ball" or "round object," describing a smooth, hairless head.
Full origin of bald →Frequently asked questions
What does “bald” mean?
The word “bald” means having little or no hair on the head. In plain terms, lacking hair on the head, or (of a statement) stripped of detail and delivered plainly.
How do you pronounce “bald”?
“Bald” is pronounced bawld (/bɔːld/ in IPA).
How do you use “bald” in a sentence?
Here is “bald” used in a sentence: “He started going bald in his late twenties.”
What part of speech is “bald”?
“Bald” is an adjective.
Where does the word “bald” come from?
The word “bald” comes from Middle English. From Middle English balled, of uncertain origin — likely related to an old word for "ball" or "round object," describing a smooth, hairless head.
Is “bald” a common word?
“Bald” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “bald” have?
“Bald” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having little or no hair on the head.
What is the difference between bald and balding?
Bald describes someone who has little or no hair on the head already, while balding describes someone who is in the process of losing their hair. Balding is the gradual, ongoing state, whereas bald refers to the resulting condition.
What does it mean to make a bald statement?
A bald statement is one that is plain and direct, delivered without any softening detail or diplomatic phrasing. This figurative use of bald extends the idea of 'bare' or 'stripped down' from hair to language.
Why is a worn-out tyre described as bald?
A tyre is called bald when it has been worn smooth and its tread has disappeared, leaving a surface as featureless as a hairless head. This usage is a direct visual comparison to baldness on a person.
