Skip to main content
to scumble

to scumble

9.9
To put a very thin layer of paint over other paint to soften colors
  • verb
  • /ˈskʌmbəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : velar
  • scumble a layer
  • scumble the color
  • scumbled glazes

Examples

  • But I do propose to scumble such distinctions in order to lay out the process through which the novels of social realism detect history and write it into discourse.

    Academic text (1991)
  • When it battles with data that defy encapsulation (because Milton has scumbled the perceptual grounds), the mind will be teased out of thought: PREFORMATTED TABLE

    Academic text (1997)
  • To create a softer effect, she decided to scumble a light layer of blue over the orange background.

  • He learned how to scumble various colors to enhance the painting's depth and texture.

  • After applying a rich undercoat, the artist chose to scumble with white for a subtle highlight.

Synonyms

to smatter paint
vsto scumble
8.6

To paint quickly in a messy, uneven way

applies a thin semi-opaque layer with control to soften and blend
to smatter color
vsto scumble
  • US
9.1

To put small spots of color over a surface like a shirt or wall

applies a thin semi-opaque layer with control to soften and blend

Antonyms

144 1.6

Remove marks, writing, or digital files so they are no longer visible

42 2.7

Remove all covering or contents from an object so it is left bare

How Opaque

to cover
1.0
to glaze
33 4.2
to scumble
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

scumble infinitive
scumbled past
scumbled past participle
scumbling present participle
scumbles third person singular

Etymology

The verb scumble likely grows from the same idea of 'rubbing' or 'making dim', so picture gently smudging a light wash over dry paint to soften the colours. That's why to scumble is to apply a thin, semi-opaque layer of paint over another color to blend or change its appearance.