pixelated
adjective
pix·e·lat·ed
ˈpik-sə-ˌlā-təd 
of an image
: displayed in such a manner that individual pixels are discernible
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Is it pixelated or pixilated?
Pixelated is used to describe digital images in which individual pixels are discernable, as when you look closely at a large photo and can see the tiny dots that make up the image. Pixilated (coined from pixie, a pixie being a cheerful, mischievous sprite) is usually used to describe things considered whimsical, or people who seem dazed or lost in thought. While pixelated is a late 20th century coinage, pixilated has been in use since the mid-19th century.
Examples of pixelated in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Speaking from personal experience, there’s something intrinsically intimidating about being silently judged by an accomplished HR representative over a pixelated Zoom call.
—
Ben Ambridge, JSTOR Daily, 15 May 2026
Claims that Boyd is nothing more than a pixelated aspiring politician began gaining traction after voters had trouble finding much of a digital footprint for the candidate and a headshot used in his campaign material struck some as bearing the hallmarks of artificial intelligence.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
No briefings, no hesitation; just pure pixelated patriotism.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 May 2026
Detractors portray him as a pixelated cartoon character, his torso replaced by a gleaming slab of meat.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pixelated
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Ben Ambridge, JSTOR Daily, 15 May 2026
Claims that Boyd is nothing more than a pixelated aspiring politician began gaining traction after voters had trouble finding much of a digital footprint for the candidate and a headshot used in his campaign material struck some as bearing the hallmarks of artificial intelligence.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
No briefings, no hesitation; just pure pixelated patriotism.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 May 2026
Detractors portray him as a pixelated cartoon character, his torso replaced by a gleaming slab of meat.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pixelated
Cite this Entry
“Pixelated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pixelated. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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