matte

12 synonyms and 2 antonyms for matte, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Adj — Having a dull, non-shiny surface; not glossy.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

felt matt flat

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

mat

Rare, literary or technical

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

mat up felt up matt-up flatness matte up lusterlessness lustrelessness matted

Synonyms by Meaning

1. adj

Having a dull, non-shiny surface; not glossy.

“She preferred matte lipstick over the shiny gloss finish.”

felt matt mat mat up felt up matt-up flatness matte up lusterlessness lustrelessness matted flat

Opposites

shiny glossy

2. noun

A border, often cardboard, placed around a picture to set it off inside a frame.

“The framer cut a cream-coloured matte to surround the photograph.”

matt lusterlessness lustrelessness flatness mat

3. verb

To give something a dull, non-reflective finish.

“The jeweller matted the ring's surface so it wouldn't catch the light.”

felt mat

How to use matte

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

matte finish matte black matte lipstick matte photo paper

Etymology

From French mat, meaning "dull" or "lifeless" — the same word used in chess for a checkmated (dead) king.

Full origin of matte →

Frequently asked questions

What does “matte” mean?

The word “matte” means having a dull, non-shiny surface; not glossy. In plain terms, describes a flat, non-shiny surface or finish — the opposite of glossy.

How do you pronounce “matte”?

“Matte” is pronounced mat (/mæt/ in IPA).

How do you use “matte” in a sentence?

Here is “matte” used in a sentence: “She preferred matte lipstick over the shiny gloss finish.”

What part of speech is “matte”?

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

Where does the word “matte” come from?

The word “matte” comes from French. From French mat, meaning "dull" or "lifeless" — the same word used in chess for a checkmated (dead) king.

Is “matte” a common word?

“Matte” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “matte” have?

“Matte” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having a dull, non-shiny surface; not glossy.

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felt flat Matt shiny mat glossy flatness

Nearby words

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