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Definition of waxen

waxen

/ˈwæk.sən/
wax · en

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waxen Lexical Profile

waxen Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having a smooth, pale, or translucent appearance resembling wax, especially in reference to human skin or complexion.

Example

"After weeks of illness, the patient had a pale, waxen complexion that worried the doctors."


2

Made of, covered with, or consisting of wax.

Example

"The ancient letter was secured with a heavy waxen seal bearing the royal crest."


3

Easily influenced, impressionable, or malleable, as if made of soft wax.

Example

"The speaker sought to mold the waxen minds of his young and impressionable audience."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

While 'waxy' is the standard everyday adjective for things having the texture or coating of wax, 'waxen' is primarily literary and most commonly describes a pale, smooth, translucent complexion.

• Rhymes for waxen

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'weaxen', meaning 'made of wax', formed from 'weax' (wax) and the suffix '-en' denoting material composition.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Waxen. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/waxen
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