velvet

Soft pile cloth

Velvet is a soft, dense fabric with a short pile that creates a smooth, lustrous surface.

The texture makes velvet synonymous with smoothness and luxury: velvet skin, a voice like velvet.

Something velvety shares these qualities.

The velvet glove conceals an iron fist—gentle manner masking firm resolve.

fabric

textile

Material from woven fibers

upholsteryFurniture's textile layer
draperyOrnamental hanging cloth
curtainsHanging fabric window covers

brocade · damask · chenille · silk · satin · taffeta · chiffon · organza · crushed · pile

texture

smooth

Without roughness or difficulty

softYielding to touch
silkySmooth and lustrous
suppleFlexing without damage

plush · downy · sleek · brushed · napped · fuzzy · cushiony · touchable · caress · stroke

appearance

sheen

Soft surface luster

lusterSoft reflected light
matteNon-reflective surface finish
deepFar from surface

rich · saturated · burgundy · emerald · sapphire · midnight · black · crimson · purple · wine

luxury

opulence

Showy, abundant prosperity

sumptuousSplendidly rich and costly
lavishAbundant beyond necessity
extravagantExceeding sensible bounds

decadent · elegant · refined · glamorous · exclusive · prestigious · rich · indulgent · palatial · gilded

royal

throne

Ceremonial chair for sovereigns

crownSovereign's ornamental headpiece
monarchHereditary supreme ruler
robeLong loose outer garment

coronation · ermine · regalia · canopy · drapes · chamber · court · nobility · majesty · imperial

Categories

fashionfashion, clothing, apparel, attire, garment
materialsmetal, metals, wood, ceramic, fabric
textilescotton, wool, silk, fabric, thread
costumeswitch, costume, vampire, pirate, ghost costume
V-wordsvacuum, valley, value, vampire, van
dressmakingsewing, fabric, pattern, fitting, hem

Opposites

texture/tactile quality

velvetrough

Uneven in surface

coarse · sandpaper · scratchy · abrasive · bristly

fabric luxury/refinement

velvetburlap

Coarse woven fiber

sackcloth · hessian · canvas · homespun · gunny

surface quality (figurative)

Crossed bars or harsh

harsh · raspy · jarring · strident · gravelly

Phrases

red velvetCocoa cake dyed crimson
red velvet cakeBurgundy-hued layered pastry
velvet ropeLuxurious crowd-control barrier
black velvetStout-champagne layered drink
red-velvet cakeBurgundy-hued layered dessert
velvet gloveGentle manner disguising force

Family

velvety, velvets, velveted, velveteen, velveting, velvetlike, velvet glove, velvet ant

Familiarity: Top 10,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G