Colors, Textures and Shapes Entry: Silver

Real World Comparisons:

Nickels, dimes, quarters
Safety pins
Appliances: stainless steel blenders, toasters, microwaves, dishwashers, stoves, refrigerators, etc
Cheese grater
Cutlery
Knife blades
Mercury
Sterling silver jewelry
White gold
Paper clips
Fish scales
Tin foil
Clasps, buckles
Screws, nuts, nails
Dragonfly wings
Studs on a dog collar
Wheel rims
Bike spokes
Mirrors
Coach’s whistle…

Synonyms: argent, silvery, sterling, metal, metallic

Make every detail count

Colors are powerful descriptors, not fillers. Make sure that if you use a comparison or contrast to highlight a color, you choose the right one. Look at the setting and atmosphere you are working to create, then draw from the viewpoint character or narrator’s history, education and past experiences to find the right fit.

Colors not only paint a picture for readers; when used well, they can also create emotional and symbolic harmonies.

Looking to add vivid imagery to your character’s world? This thesaurus has been expanded and integrated into our online library at One Stop For Writers. There, entries have been enhanced to include symbolism opportunities, a wealth of real-world comparisons that can be woven into your writing, and examples of how to describe colors and patterns in ways that engage the reader’s imagination. This collection is also cross-referenced for easy searchability so you can find exactly what you’re looking for. Interested in seeing a sampling of the updated Color and Pattern Thesaurus and our other collections? Head on over and register for free at One Stop!

BECCA PUGLISI

Becca Puglisi is an international speaker, writing coach, and bestselling author of The Emotion Thesaurus and its sequels. Her books are available in five languages, are sourced by US universities, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, editors, and psychologists around the world. She is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge with others through her Writers Helping Writers blog and via One Stop For Writers—a powerhouse online library created to help writers elevate their storytelling.