painted

[ peyn-tid ]

adjective

1. reproduced or represented in paint:

   a painted image.

2. covered with a coating of paint:

   a painted chair.

3. unreal; artificial; feigned:

   a painted life.

4. exaggerated or misrepresented:

   a luridly painted version of what really happened.

5. covered with makeup, especially to excess.
6. brightly colored or multicolored (used in combinations).

Other Words From

• un·painted adjective
• well-painted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of painted¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; paint, -ed ²

Example Sentences

Nehls painted the symbiosis between the incoming White House and Congress more colorfully than South Dakota Senator John Thune, but the newly elected Senate majority leader was equally straightforward about the role of the legislature in 2025.

From Salon

I can’t think of another company with as impressive a Sondheim track record that could be as dexterous and audaciously funny deploying painted faces and masks, cross-dressing and stylized movement, along with other touchstones of Kabuki artistry.

From Los Angeles Times

Here again the media collaborated, consistently painted a gloomy picture for Biden.

From Salon

A recent urban jungle collection, which popped up over a series of days across London, saw its elephant defaced with stripes, wolf appear to be stolen within hours, cat taken down, and a tag spray painted over the rhino.

From BBC

As part of the study, their portraits were painted to help convey the physical and psychological impacts of their treatment.

From BBC

Related Words

• composed
• designed
• illustrated