gold plated
Coated in treasure
Gold plated describes something coated with a thin layer of gold over a base metal—cheaper than solid gold but with similar appearance.
The term extends to anything that looks impressive but lacks substance underneath: a gold-plated promise, gold-plated credentials.
In policy contexts, gold-plated often criticizes excessive or unnecessarily expensive features: gold-plated regulations.
Coat with metal electrically
- veneerDecorative outer layer
- overlayCovering placed atop
- fakeNot the real thing
- fauxArtificial or imitation
costume · simulated · counterfeit · ersatz · pseudo · knockoff · replica · cheap
For beauty, not function
- filigreeDelicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- embellishedDecorated or exaggerated
- baroqueExcessively ornate or elaborate
- rococoExcessively elaborate in style
scrollwork · engraving · inlay · flourish · trim · accent · bezel · hardware
Exceeding sensible bounds
- lavishAbundant beyond necessity
- opulentOstentatiously wealthy
- sumptuousSplendidly rich and costly
- affluentHaving abundant financial resources
exclusive · high-end · glamorous · expensive · ornate · palatial · resplendent · ostentatious
Reflecting light brightly
- shimmeringGleaming with wavering light
- glitteringShining with small flashes
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
- reflectiveCasting back light
radiant · sparkling · lustrous · glossy · bright · dazzling · mirrorlike · buffed
electroplate
Coat with metal electrically
faux · costume · simulated · counterfeit · ersatz · pseudo · knockoff · replica · cheap · tarnish
ornamental
For beauty, not function
- filigreeDelicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- embellishedDecorated or exaggerated
- baroqueExcessively ornate or elaborate
rococo · scrollwork · engraving · inlay · flourish · trim · accent · bezel · hardware · fixtures
extravagant
Exceeding sensible bounds
affluent · exclusive · high-end · glamorous · expensive · ornate · palatial · resplendent · ostentatious · prestigious
gleaming
Reflecting light brightly
- shimmeringGleaming with wavering light
- glitteringShining with small flashes
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
reflective · radiant · sparkling · lustrous · glossy · bright · dazzling · mirrorlike · buffed · sleek
- accessoriesearrings, necklace, bracelet, watch, ring
- gold metalsormolu, electroplate, vermeil, pinchbeck, pyrite
- letter openersslitter
- instrument stringsguitar string, bass string, violin string, harp string, nylon string
- rare earth magnetsneodymium magnets, rare earth magnets
gold platedsolid gold
Entirely of precious yellow metal
pure gold · 24 karat · 24-karat · sterling · sterling silver
gold, plated, golden, gild, gilded, gilding, gilds, gilt, plate