A palette knife is a common tool used in the world of painting. However, there are several synonyms for this tool, which are used interchangeably. The first synonym is a painting knife, which is more commonly used in the US. Another term for palette knife is trowel, which is often used in industrial and construction contexts. Some artists refer to the palette knife as a spatula, which is a term borrowed from the kitchen. Finally, the term applies to a range of blades that can be used for different purposes, such as frosting cakes or spreading compound over surfaces. Whatever you call it, however, the palette knife remains an important tool for artists and artisans of all kinds.