etching 1 of 2

noun

Definition of etchingnext
as in drawing

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etching

2 of 2

verb

present participle of etch
1
as in engraving
to cut (as letters or designs) on a hard surface the artist etched his landscape on a copper plate

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in imprinting
to produce a vivid impression of in just a few pages the writer etched an unforgettable portrait of one of the more remarkable First Ladies

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 etching
Noun
In Dish Jockey, an etching from 1993, a harried woman in a bandanna (shades of Rosie the Riveter) scrubs dishes while an ensemble of Tinkerbell-like housekeepers complete other chores nearby. — Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026 Some examples from Myers include the subtle etching in marble, the soft wear of limestone, the lived-in texture of linen, or the subtle fading and marks that form in hardwood floors. — Lacey Ramburger, The Spruce, 2 June 2026
Verb
These chucks hold silicon wafers in place during the etching process inside semiconductor manufacturing equipment. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 22 July 2026 Qolab replaces traditional Josephson junction fabrication with precision subtractive etching, aiming to improve qubit coherence and manufacturing consistency. — Paul Smith-Goodson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for etching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for etching
  1. drawing
  2. engraving
  3. watercolor
  4. inscribing
  5. pastel
  6. carving
  7. acrylic
  8. sculpting
Noun
  • In another conversation, Marcee Gray brought up an online drawing showing Colt alongside the Columbine shooters and Parkland gunman Nikolas Cruz in the style of a Weezer album cover.
    — Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The Nazca Lines, ​enormous drawings and ⁠geometric figures etched into desert plains in the south of the country, are one of Peru’s main tourist destinations, attracting approximately ​100,000 annual visitors.
    — Joe Kottke, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of drawing
Verb
  • Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon has sparked controversy by engraving the names of his wife and five children on the Stanley Cup.
    — Eric Macramalla, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • In another text, Robinson alluded to engraving messages on bullets.
    — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 9 July 2026
Definition of engraving
Noun
  • An initial grisaille watercolor features a gentleman fly-fisher—Homer’s ideal client—about to scoop a trout into his net.
    — Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 31 July 2026
  • There are also plenty of games and activities for sale in the hotel store, including watercolor kits, colorful punch balloons, activity books, knitting kits, pick-up sticks, puzzles, toys, and more.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Definition of watercolor
Verb
  • Roupp could not recall previously inscribing that message on his cap during a game.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
  • Like inscribing shell casings, communicating messages in connection with high-profile acts of violence has a long history.
    — Connor Greene, Time, 24 Sep. 2025
Definition of inscribing
Noun
  • If your nail style leans a little moodier, consider swapping your usual pastel for an espresso manicure.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 26 July 2026
  • Its palatial villas are decked out in pops of pastel, emerald marble showers, rose gold finishes and artful details that make this lavish outpost a cut above the rest.
    — Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 16 July 2026
Definition of pastel
Verb
  • When carving a piece of cocobolo rosewood, a Wounaan artist features the grain.
    — Chenier Carpio Opua, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The rocket’s upper stage will unintentionally slam into the moon on Wednesday, carving out a crater and sending up a plume of dust and rubble that scientists — and skygazers — are eager to observe.
    — Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of carving
Noun
  • The quick-dry foam cushions are made of Sunbrella 100% acrylic fabric and have a taupe stripe.
    — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Her blonde hair, acrylic nails, high heels, rhinestones, waist-cinching silhouettes, and curves were not accidents of taste.
    — Debbie Millman, Time, 25 July 2026
Definition of acrylic
Verb
  • Ahead, a look at the best face sculpting tools that are actually worth the investment.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 31 July 2026
  • That sculpting magic has led many shoppers to deem these their most flattering jeans.
    — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 28 July 2026
Definition of sculpting

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Cite this Entry

“Etching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/etching. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on etching

Nglish: Translation of etching for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about etching

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