brushed
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for brushed, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Given a matte, roughened surface texture, especially metal.
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.
How to use brushed
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “brushed” mean?
The word “brushed” means given a matte, roughened surface texture, especially metal. In plain terms, treated with a brush or brushing process — often describing a soft, non-shiny metal finish.
How do you pronounce “brushed”?
“Brushed” is pronounced BRUHSHT (/ˈbɹʌʃt/ in IPA).
How do you use “brushed” in a sentence?
Here is “brushed” used in a sentence: “The kitchen has brushed steel appliances throughout.”
What part of speech is “brushed”?
“Brushed” is an adjective.
Is “brushed” a common word?
“Brushed” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “brushed” have?
“Brushed” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: given a matte, roughened surface texture, especially metal.
What does "brushed" mean when describing metal, like brushed steel?
In this sense, "brushed" describes a matte, roughened surface texture, especially on metal, created by mechanically abrading the surface. This gives materials like steel a soft, non-reflective look compared to a polished finish.
What is the difference between brushed and polished metal?
Brushed metal has a matte, roughened surface texture, while polished metal is smoothed to a shiny, reflective finish. The two terms describe opposite surface treatments applied to the same materials.
Does "brushed" always refer to a surface texture?
No, "brushed" also has a separate meaning describing something cleaned, tidied, or arranged using a brush, such as brushed hair. This everyday sense is distinct from the textured-surface meaning used for materials like metal.