flake
12 synonyms and 0 antonyms for flake, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small, thin, flat piece that has broken off something larger.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
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 flake
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
The "unreliable person" sense of flake and the verb "to flake (on someone)" are informal/slang.
Etymology
From Old English/Old Norse roots meaning a loose or torn-off piece, ultimately from a very old word for something flat; the "unreliable person" sense is a modern slang extension.
Full origin of flake →Frequently asked questions
What does “flake” mean?
The word “flake” means a small, thin, flat piece that has broken off something larger. In plain terms, a small chip or piece breaking off something, or (informally) someone who bails on plans.
How do you pronounce “flake”?
“Flake” is pronounced flayk (/fleɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “flake” in a sentence?
Here is “flake” used in a sentence: “A flake of paint peeled off the old fence.”
What part of speech is “flake”?
Depending on how it is used, “flake” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “flake” come from?
The word “flake” comes from Old English. From Old English/Old Norse roots meaning a loose or torn-off piece, ultimately from a very old word for something flat; the "unreliable person" sense is a modern slang extension.
Is “flake” a common word?
“Flake” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “flake” have?
“Flake” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, thin, flat piece that has broken off something larger.