Phrase guide

invisible ink

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

An ink, invisible on application or soon thereafter, that can later be rendered visible by some process, such as exposing it to heat.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: secret ink, sympathetic ink

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

An ink used in pranks that is visible at first but soon disappears.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From invisible + ink.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: encre sympathique — invisible ink that can later be rendered visible
  • German: Geheimtinte — invisible ink that can later be rendered visible
  • Polish: atrament sympatyczny — invisible ink that can later be rendered visible
  • Romanian: cerneală simpatică — invisible ink that can later be rendered visible
  • German: Scherztinte — ink used in pranks that soon disappears
  • Polish: atrament sympatyczny — ink used in pranks that soon disappears