cottony

adjective

ˈkät-nē How to pronounce cottony (audio)
Definition of cottonynext
1
as in shaggy
covered with or as if with hair that gray, cottony spot on the bread is mold

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in silky
smooth or delicate in appearance or feel fluffy, cottony hair

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 cottony An egg mass of the citrus mealybug looks like a small, white, cottony mass on the underside of a leaf. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2024 There, the thickly forested ranges perched on a shelf of cottony clouds, offering a view of the mountaintop complex modeled after 16th century Vietnamese pagodas, including a 10-story belfry, a network of stone staircases and a giant seated Buddha. — Patrick Scott, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2023 Ladybugs have also been introduced to the Galapagos to reduce cottony cushion scale and have been beneficial there as well. — Susan Pransky, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cottony
  1. shaggy
  2. silky
  3. hairy
  4. satin
  5. soft
  6. downy
Adjective
  • Natasha Lyonne, who’s back as shaggy amateur detective Charlie Cale, was floored watching Erivo dip in and out of so many roles, which include a DJ, a professor, an artist, and an apple picker.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Close on either side were eerie woods flooded with shallow swamp water, the trees’ shaggy trunks festooned with air plants and the occasional ghost orchid.
    — Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of shaggy
Adjective
  • This wine exhibits fresh cherry, raspberry, and subtle spice, with a silky texture and a clean finish.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Try out the trend with the best silky tops on Amazon, all for less than $35.
    — Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of silky
Adjective
  • The lack of dihydrotestosterone receptors across the rest of our bodies explains why these areas can remain hairy even after our hairlines have lost their fight against these hormonal changes.
    — RJ Mackenzie, Popular Science, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Detailing includes a hairy suede upper paired with golden accents which elevate the shoe.
    — Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of hairy
Adjective
  • Pop a satin version on top of your usual night-out curls to make the 'do feel glamorous.
    — Jasmine Washington, Seventeen, 18 Jan. 2023
  • From satin pillowcases to a hydrating moisturizer, all of these products are on sale for less than $25.
    — Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 13 Jan. 2023
Definition of satin
Adjective
  • Second, Perez recommends asking your colorist for a deep brunette base shade with neutral or warm undertones, and soft, face-framing caramel or chestnut highlights for dimension.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Color choices include dun, icy blue, gray, Pacific blue, soft rose, and white.
    — Terri Williams, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of soft
Adjective
  • Its large, wall-size windows, their casements painted a downy shade of white, look out across Bedford Street onto a row of old and characterful brownstones, including number 75½, whose façade, at nine and a half feet across, is allegedly the city’s narrowest (and therefore most charming).
    — Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2025
  • Jackie has over 7,000 waterproof feathers on her body that help keep her dry and downy feathers that keep her warm, Steers previously said.
    — Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 27 Jan. 2025
Definition of downy

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Cite this Entry

“Cottony.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cottony. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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