adjective
Common
painted
PAYN-tihd
Painted (adjective) means Covered with a layer of paint. Example: “The freshly painted walls still smelled of paint.”
adjective
1
Covered with a layer of paint.
"The freshly painted walls still smelled of paint."
"A row of brightly painted houses lined the street."
"The painted fence looked bright and clean in the morning sun."
2
Superficial or put-on, lacking real feeling.
"His smile felt painted, not genuine."
"Her painted politeness did not hide how annoyed she really was."
"The host greeted everyone with a painted grin and cold eyes."
How to use painted
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving had paint applied, or (figuratively) fake and only skin-deep.
Common pairings
freshly painted
painted smile
painted lady
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The freshly _____ walls still smelled of paint.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
unpainted
Related words
Rhymes for painted
See all rhymes for painted →Frequently asked questions
What does “painted” mean?
The word “painted” means covered with a layer of paint. In plain terms, having had paint applied, or (figuratively) fake and only skin-deep.
How do you pronounce “painted”?
“Painted” is pronounced PAYN-tihd (/ˈpeɪ.nɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “painted” in a sentence?
Here is “painted” used in a sentence: “The freshly painted walls still smelled of paint.”
What part of speech is “painted”?
“Painted” is an adjective.
Is “painted” a common word?
“Painted” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “painted” have?
“Painted” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: covered with a layer of paint.
What is the difference between "painted" and "coated"?
"Painted" specifically means covered with a layer of paint, usually for color or decoration. "Coated" is broader and means covered with any layer or substance, such as coated in chocolate, wax, or varnish. All painted surfaces are coated, but not all coated surfaces are painted.
When is "painted" used figuratively rather than literally?
Beyond meaning covered with paint, "painted" can describe something superficial or put-on, lacking real feeling, as in "a painted smile." Used this way it suggests artifice or insincerity rather than genuine emotion. Pairing with words like "smile" or "grief" signals the figurative sense.
What is the difference between "painted" and "dyed"?
"Painted" means a layer of paint is applied on top of a surface, sitting on it. "Dyed" means color is absorbed into a material such as fabric or hair, changing it throughout. Paint coats the outside, while dye soaks in.
How is "painted" used in the phrase "freshly painted"?
"Freshly painted" describes a surface that has recently had a new layer of paint applied and may still be wet or newly dry. It is a common descriptive or warning phrase, similar to "wet paint." The adverb "freshly" stresses how recently the painting was done.
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