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Synonyms

silken

American  
[sil-kuhn] / ˈsɪl kən /

adjective

  1. made of silk.

  2. like silk in smoothness, softness, glossiness, or delicateness.

  3. clad in silk.

  4. smoothly persuasive or ingratiating; mellifluous.

    the senator's silken oratory.

  5. elegant; luxurious.


silken British  
/ ˈsɪlkən /

adjective

  1. made of silk

  2. resembling silk in smoothness or gloss

  3. dressed in silk

  4. soft and delicate

  5. rare luxurious or elegant

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of silken

before 900; Middle English; Old English seolcen. See silk, -en 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He brought silken “descending dove” tone to his solo playing, but at low tone becoming more a voice from afar than soloist.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Teyana Taylor, who is up for best supporting actress for One Battle After Another, is bang on trend with the colour of her silken ruffled dress, in a deep, rich brown.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

It’s also a perfect moment to sneak in some supportive protein: protein powder, silken tofu, or nut butters.

From Salon • Jan. 29, 2026

In one challenge, she made a cured salmon tartare with whipped, silken tofu.

From Salon • May 21, 2025

Her silken ruffles rustled and muttered about her.

From "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston