Definition

Adjective: - Having the appearance, texture, or quality of wax; resembling wax. This often specifically describes a pale, smooth, and somewhat shiny or lifeless quality, similar to that of candle wax or sealing wax.

Usage

The adjective "waxlike" is used to describe the physical appearance of something, most commonly skin, features, or surfaces. It implies a lack of natural color, vitality, or warmth, often suggesting illness, death, or an unnatural stillness. It is a descriptive term found more often in literary contexts.

Examples

• The museum displayed a waxlike figure so realistic it was unsettling.
• Her hands were cold and waxlike to the touch.
• After the fever broke, his skin had a waxlike sheen.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Can be used figuratively to describe something that is unnaturally smooth, polished, or lacking in spontaneity.
  • The politician's waxlike smile never reached his eyes during the speech.

Variants and Related Words

• Waxy (adj): The more common synonym, often used interchangeably with "waxlike." It can also mean literally containing or made of wax.
  • The waxy coating on the leaves helps retain moisture.
• Waxen (adj): A literary synonym, very close in meaning to "waxlike," frequently used to describe pallor.
  • His face was waxen and drawn from exhaustion.

Synonyms

• Pallid: Abnormally pale.
• Wan: Pale and giving the impression of illness or exhaustion.
• Colorless: Lacking color; dull.
• Ashen: Of a pale gray color, like ash (often from fear or illness).

Antonyms

• Ruddy: Having a healthy red color.
• Florid: Having a red or flushed complexion.
• Vibrant: Full of energy and life; bright.

Adjective

1. having the paleness of wax
   • the poor face with the same awful waxen pallor- Bram Stoker
   • the soldier turned his waxlike features toward him
   • a thin face with a waxy paleness