as in iridescent
having a rainbowlike play of colors
once given away as a cheap prize at carnivals, this opalescent glass is now highly prized by collectors
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of opalescent
The quality of the light not quite the same, softer, more opalescent, and part of the pool in the shade, making the water there look flat and deep.
—
David Szalay, The New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2024
Her nails, designed by her go-to nail artist Miho Okawara, were a long almond shape painted with an iridescent pale gray with an opalescent finish that shifted from pale pink to pale blue with the light.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 21 Oct. 2024
Inside a wet glint, opalescent, full as an egg
of creamy gray shadow, sediment
ground down finely and suspended
like a verdict in a tone.
—Frances Leviston, The New York Review of Books, 26 Sep. 2024
Available in over a dozen options—from the light periwinkle (Dream Much) seen here, with inflections of pink and silver, to metallic and opalescent white—there are a variety of pretty shades and finishes to choose from.
—Allure, 3 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for opalescent 
David Szalay, The New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2024
Her nails, designed by her go-to nail artist Miho Okawara, were a long almond shape painted with an iridescent pale gray with an opalescent finish that shifted from pale pink to pale blue with the light.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 21 Oct. 2024
Inside a wet glint, opalescent, full as an egg
of creamy gray shadow, sediment
ground down finely and suspended
like a verdict in a tone.
—Frances Leviston, The New York Review of Books, 26 Sep. 2024
Available in over a dozen options—from the light periwinkle (Dream Much) seen here, with inflections of pink and silver, to metallic and opalescent white—there are a variety of pretty shades and finishes to choose from.
—Allure, 3 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for opalescent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opalescent
Adjective
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Sparkling birdcage dresses, sheer angelic pleats, and iridescent tulle bloomers are already walking during rehearsal on the runway against artist Rithika Merchant’s towering textile panels painted with botanical and mythological references.—
Arden Fanning Andrews,
Vogue,
27 Jan. 2025
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Like with the Mercer Street store, the materiality is broadly industrial with bronze chosen for its minimalist qualities but rich patina that ages with time, and steel that has an iridescent effect in this space.—
Booth Moore,
WWD,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Tiffany has a long-standing history with pearls, both nacreous—from oysters and mollusks—and non-nacreous, like Melo Melo pearls.—
Stellene Volandes,
Town & Country,
20 Feb. 2021
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Unfortunately, nacreous clouds also support chemical reactions that convert benign chlorine-containing molecules into a form that destroys Earth’s ozone layer.—
Rebecca Coffey,
Discover Magazine,
29 Jan. 2012
Adjective
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The quiet town of Frederick, Maryland, has been flying under the radar for years, though locals love it for its 19th-century architecture, colorful history, and wealth of independent shops and restaurants.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Feb. 2025
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Those colorful, mouthwatering displays, new products, and check-out aisle treats can be all too tempting to add to your cart.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Upon being named Best New Artist at last night’s ceremony, the 26-year-old singer took to the stage in a pointy cap (which promptly fell to the floor) and a robe that was scrunched into pearlescent folds.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
3 Feb. 2025
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Shades: 4 Key Ingredients: Rose wax, almond oil, light-reflecting pearlescent pigments How to choose the best foundation for aging skin As with other skin-care products, experts recommend picking a foundation with multifunctional, skin-loving properties.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
31 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near opalescent
Cite this Entry
“Opalescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opalescent. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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