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

The type of memory flashbacks that are shot at knee level, gauzy and out of focus, with a gossamer visual touch to conjure whispering, buried emotions of the past. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026 In Frida Kahlo’s self-portrait from 1940, two gossamer lepidoptera have alighted on her head. — Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2025

Noun

There needed to be some consequences; otherwise, the show would become gossamer-thin. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026 The line between excitement and danger is gossamer thin. — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gossamer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gossamer

Adjective

Leaning into the lingerie aesthetic, Lisa’s dress showed off her red underwear with a gauzy bodycon skirt, which featured a ruched design at her hips and garter-like strings.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 27 Sep. 2026
Most of the time, senators exercising this role must rely on gauzy assurances and strained analogies to the candidate’s performance in previous positions.

— Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of gauzy

Adjective

Known as the Shark Bay UNESCO World Heritage Site, the place gets its name from English buccaneer-cum-naturalist William Dampier, who was overcome by the bay’s sheer abundance and the size of the marine predators during a visit in 1699.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Through the sheer force of his will and his brilliant comedic timing, Bratton was elevated to a cast member by the second season.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of sheer

Noun

Shawn and his father found the man on the easternmost coast of their island shortly after dusk, when the sky was drained of almost all its orange light and the waves had grown dark, topped with an eerie froth.

— Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
This is the antithetical froth that bubbles up in their wake, and it is never left completely behind.

— Artforum, Artforum, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of froth

Adjective

The length of time for this flimsy assignment, even if primarily conducted in class, gives students ample opportunity to use AI between classes.

— Neetu Arnold, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026
Hardened cockpit Flight deck doors pre-9/11 were often just as flimsy as the lavatory doors.

— Jeff Price, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of flimsy

Adjective

Patients lose out because the administrative bloat inflates the cost of medical care, while making costs less transparent and harder to contest.

— Leah Pierson, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
There should be a clear owner, transparent standards and a practical remedy designed before scaling, not after the first crisis.

— Eric Reicin, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of transparent

Noun

While opponents treated Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham like punching bags, White hid behind spineless PR fluff instead of defending her stars.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
The fog rises from Mount Tamalpais like a spirit, slowly billowing over spears of feathery redwoods and fluffs of fragrant bay laurels.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of fluff

Adjective

Tying all this to a generic RPG progression system full of constant but insubstantial upgrades and resources feels more like busywork than anything else.

— Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026
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

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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of gossamer

adjective

noun

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