GOSSAMER Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

gossamer 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of gossamer

as in gauzy

being of a material lacking in sturdiness or substance fairies are usually depicted as wearing gossamer or tattered clothing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fluffy

resembling air in lightness the gossamer veil seemed to float about the bride as she walked down the aisle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sheer

very thin and easy to see through didn't see the gossamer spider webs until the sun hit them just right

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

gossamer

2 of 2

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of gossamer

Adjective

Both would be coated with a gossamer-thin layer of gold for reflectivity and bathed in faint laser beams to detect their oscillations—and thus their temperature. — Charles Q. Choi, Scientific American, 11 Dec. 2019 No matter how far-fetched the premise or gossamer-thin the story, the musical invites (compels) us to go along with its essential surrealism, to travel to that dream space where everyday life suddenly moves and sounds deliriously out of this world. — Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 7 May 2020

Noun

There needed to be some consequences; otherwise, the show would become gossamer-thin. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026 At Emporio Armani, models walked the runway in gossamer-thin tanks and misty trousers that toed the line between lavender and blue. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for gossamer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gossamer

Adjective

Stylistically, these books are often surreal and oneiric, with the gauzy texture of childhood reverie.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
The light, gauzy fabric is airy enough to double as a swimsuit cover-up.

— Natalie LaBarbera, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026

Definition of gauzy

Adjective

Lunches are supplied by Yeasty Boys Bakery & Delicatessen out of Marysville, featuring ham and turkey sandwiches on fluffy milk bread with picnicky sides like pasta salad and bags of Grippo’s chips produced in Cincinnati.

— Midwest Living, Midwest Living, 6 July 2026
Bundled with fluffy white rice and a delicate nori ribbon to make musubi.

— Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 July 2026

Definition of fluffy

Adjective

The sleeveless gown featured a semi-sheer corset bodice with a curtain of lace foliage that cascaded down past the thigh-high slit, forming an elegant silhouette.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Nonetheless, some 120,000 Mint Juleps are consumed across two sunny days at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby, proving that some cocktails can become refreshing daytime summer sippers just by sheer force of will, and a little crushed ice.

— Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 July 2026

Definition of sheer

Noun

Well, the gentlemen need a place to park the lids, because the social froth in the Royal Box or in any other Royal Ascot enclosure can become quite demanding, and there are many, many black or grey toppers in attendance.

— Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Funds tend not to sit in their most crowded, highest-beta positions going into an inflation reading that could move the Fed’s path, which could be why some froth got cut off now.

— Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 June 2026

Definition of froth

Adjective

Some had Trumpian golden eagles atop the roofs, and a flimsy triumphal arch stood at the center beside the Ferris wheel.

— Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026
Unlike modern sports trading cards, which are not only hefty but often bedazzled with autographs, jersey patches, and random holograms, the Panini stickers are flimsy and meant to be abused.

— Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 30 June 2026

Definition of flimsy

Adjective

Many caftans come in dainty, transparent styles, so coordinate your sheer number with the pieces underneath—whether that's your swimwear or basics from your everyday closet is your choice.

— Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026
Companies that build responsible, transparent approaches to audience understanding will be better positioned for long-term success.

— Paula Chiocchi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of transparent

Noun

This little thing does a great job of raking up dog fluff that gets trapped in car upholstery.

— Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 24 June 2026
As a child you may have been instructed to pull up as many as possible, or told not to blow their dainty, fluff-ball seed heads to make a wish.

— Kate Morgan, Washington Post, 21 June 2026

Definition of fluff

Adjective

But too few of those ideas yield satisfying conclusions, resulting in a drama that becomes treacly and insubstantial, reaching for a profundity that remains elusive.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
The wall was as insubstantial as a set on a film studio’s back lot.

— Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026

Definition of insubstantial

Browse Nearby Words

gospels

gossamer

gossamery

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“Gossamer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gossamer. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of gossamer

adjective

noun

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