white
15 synonyms and 0 antonyms for white, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Reflecting all wavelengths of visible light equally; having the colour of snow or milk.
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 white
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English hwīt, going all the way back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "bright, shining" — the same root that gives related words for light and gleaming across many European languages.
Full origin of white →Frequently asked questions
What does “white” mean?
The word “white” means reflecting all wavelengths of visible light equally; having the colour of snow or milk. In plain terms, the colour of snow, milk, or a blank page — reflecting light rather than absorbing it.
How do you pronounce “white”?
“White” is pronounced WYT (/ˈwaɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “white” in a sentence?
Here is “white” used in a sentence: “She painted the fence white to match the house.”
What part of speech is “white”?
Depending on how it is used, “white” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “white” come from?
The word “white” comes from Old English. From Old English hwīt, going all the way back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "bright, shining" — the same root that gives related words for light and gleaming across many European languages.
Is “white” a common word?
“White” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “white” have?
“White” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: reflecting all wavelengths of visible light equally; having the colour of snow or milk.
What is the difference between white and black?
White and black are visual opposites. White reflects all wavelengths of visible light more or less equally, which is why it looks bright, like snow or milk. Black does the reverse, absorbing nearly all light and reflecting almost none, which is why it appears so dark.
Is white a colour?
It depends on how you look at it. In terms of light, white is all the colours of the spectrum combined, since it reflects every wavelength at once. In terms of paint or pigment, some call white a colour and others call it the absence of colour. Both views are common.
What is the opposite of white?
The opposite of white is black. White reflects nearly all visible light while black absorbs it, so the two sit at opposite ends of the light-and-dark scale. This strong contrast is why black text on a white page is so easy to read.
What is an example of something white?
Everyday white objects include snow, milk, chalk, fresh paper, and clouds. These are the classic reference points people reach for when describing the colour, which is why definitions of 'white' so often mention the colour of snow or milk as the clearest examples.