1
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
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
as in froth
Related Words
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
Joe Morgenstern, WSJ, 23 Jan. 2020
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
Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 3 Mar. 2026
In Camps’ hands, a cable or crewneck is never simply just that — there’s a playfulness to her draping and cutouts, subverted by the juxtaposition of gossamer-like fine gauge underpinnings with cozier, enveloping sweaters.
—Ari Stark, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gossamer
Adjective
The result is a sequence of events that’s both intriguing and gossamer-thin.
—Joe Morgenstern, WSJ, 23 Jan. 2020
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
Noun
There’s the sweeping angle of [Yasmin’s] complicity in her own exploitation, [with] the line of that being gossamer-thin with the idea of Haley being an escort, who’s chosen that life for herself.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 3 Mar. 2026
In Camps’ hands, a cable or crewneck is never simply just that — there’s a playfulness to her draping and cutouts, subverted by the juxtaposition of gossamer-like fine gauge underpinnings with cozier, enveloping sweaters.
—Ari Stark, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gossamer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gossamer
Adjective
-
After snapping photos of the bride all dressed up in a long gauzy veil and a white halterdress, the reality star—who wore a white sports bra with a white bathrobe tied around her waist—changed into a polarizing skirt set for the ceremony.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The gauzy texture is made from organic cotton, and the decorative pillow shams have a highly dimensional stitching.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
If your mom is a lover of fluffy biscuits, buttermilk pancakes and packed omelets then take her to brunch at Fixins Soul Kitchen.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
April 30,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The yucca frita are crunchy, golden tiles with fluffy, almost cheesy centers of cassava.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But the 6-foot-5 Dennis-Sutton’s potential and sheer agility are off the charts, at his size.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The format has its limitations, though — the most obvious for fans with an inclination to ship is the sheer inability to develop romantic relationships over the course of a season.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Variety,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Blending the chives and eggs together on high first, then quickly whizzing in the cream and cheese will encourage seamless emulsification without extra froth.—
Inés Anguiano,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Now the vibe has reversed, suppressing some of that froth.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Forget dealing with flimsy food bags—the Siyurongg Freezer Bag Holder Stands are a savvy solution that will save you time and frustration in the kitchen.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
29 Apr. 2026
-
These Bagsmart Clear Toiletry Bags keep everything visible and TSA-compliant, with a sturdy plastic construction that doesn’t feel flimsy or prone to tearing.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Many people also look for evidence of accreditations, dentist credentials, and transparent pricing.—
K.H. Koehler,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
After nearly two decades of building a transparent and responsible business in Europe, sustainable apparel brand Armedangels is launching in the United States.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This laundry detergent’s value is off the charts and should be enough to convince you to ditch bougie brands that might not be as heavy-duty, or say goodbye to your laundromat’s expensive fluff and fold services.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Representatives from the Eleanor Alexander Wildlife Center down the road would show up at town events with adorable animal ambassadors like cartoony Eastern Screech owls that had rock-star head fluff and big, dewy eyes.—
Alexandra Sanidad,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The wall was as insubstantial as a set on a film studio’s back lot.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Even with her strong work, the film around her always feels, at best, insubstantial, and, at worst, incomplete.—
Chase Hutchinson,
IndieWire,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gossamer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gossamer. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
