metallic
7 synonyms and 1 antonym for metallic, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Made of, containing, or resembling metal, especially in appearance, sound, or taste.
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.
Antonyms
nonmetallic
How to use metallic
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
metallic paint
metallic taste
metallic sound
Etymology
From Latin metallicus, from metallum ("metal").
Full origin of metallic →Frequently asked questions
What does “metallic” mean?
The word “metallic” means made of, containing, or resembling metal, especially in appearance, sound, or taste. In plain terms, looking, sounding, or tasting like metal, or actually made of it.
How do you pronounce “metallic”?
“Metallic” is pronounced mih-TAL-ihk (/məˈtæl.ɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “metallic” in a sentence?
Here is “metallic” used in a sentence: “The car came in a metallic blue finish.”
What is another word for “metallic”?
Words with a similar meaning to “metallic” include metalish, metallical and metallous.
What part of speech is “metallic”?
“Metallic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “metallic” come from?
The word “metallic” comes from Latin. From Latin metallicus, from metallum ("metal").
Is “metallic” a common word?
“Metallic” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between metallic and metal?
Metal is typically a noun referring to the actual substance, such as iron or aluminium, or an adjective describing something literally made of that substance. Metallic is an adjective describing something that resembles metal in appearance, sound, or taste, without necessarily being made of metal itself, such as a metallic paint finish.
Why is metallic used to describe sounds?
Metallic is used to describe sounds that resemble the ringing, clanging, or harsh quality associated with metal striking metal, such as a "metallic screech." This usage draws on the distinctive acoustic qualities people associate with metal objects.
