gloss
10 synonyms for gloss, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A shiny, polished surface.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A shiny, polished surface.
“The lip gloss gave her lips a subtle shine.”
How to use gloss
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
glossy finish
gloss over
add a gloss
Etymology
Possibly from a Scandinavian word for a spark or flame, related to a Germanic root meaning "to glow" — the shiny sense and the "explanatory note" sense may actually come from two different, unrelated old words that merged in English.
Full origin of gloss →Frequently asked questions
What does “gloss” mean?
The word “gloss” means a shiny, polished surface. In plain terms, a shiny surface or attractive-but-shallow appearance, or (in books) a short note explaining a tricky word.
How do you pronounce “gloss”?
“Gloss” is pronounced glos (/ɡlɔs/ in IPA).
How do you use “gloss” in a sentence?
Here is “gloss” used in a sentence: “The lip gloss gave her lips a subtle shine.”
What part of speech is “gloss”?
Depending on how it is used, “gloss” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “gloss” come from?
The word “gloss” comes from Germanic.
Is “gloss” a common word?
“Gloss” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “gloss” have?
“Gloss” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a shiny, polished surface.
