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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of opalescent
The majestic stillness of the full beaver moon, hovering pink and opalescent in the horizon.
—
Jennifer Hope Choi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
The Ellipse required 90 cm of gold wire shaped by hand and 20 shades of opaque and opalescent enamel, while the table clock used over 16 m of gold wire in three different widths and 45 shades of mainly translucent enamel mixed with some semi-translucent or opaque versions of the material.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 24 Mar. 2025
Nor could anyone ever be a better pal to Leslie than Ann, opalescent tree shark.
—Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Both are members of the botanical family Violaceae. 07 of 10
‘Gem Apricot Antique’ Viola
In addition to their soft, romantic colors, 'Gem Apricot Antique' petals also feature an opalescent cast and violet veining.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opalescent
Jennifer Hope Choi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
The Ellipse required 90 cm of gold wire shaped by hand and 20 shades of opaque and opalescent enamel, while the table clock used over 16 m of gold wire in three different widths and 45 shades of mainly translucent enamel mixed with some semi-translucent or opaque versions of the material.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 24 Mar. 2025
Nor could anyone ever be a better pal to Leslie than Ann, opalescent tree shark.
—Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Both are members of the botanical family Violaceae. 07 of 10
‘Gem Apricot Antique’ Viola
In addition to their soft, romantic colors, 'Gem Apricot Antique' petals also feature an opalescent cast and violet veining.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opalescent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opalescent
Adjective
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Pros & Cons With an iridescent color scheme and a futuristic aluminum design, the Area-51 (starts at $1,999.99; $3,399.99 as tested) is Alienware’s ode to its current brand identity and a showcase for what the best current mobile components can do.—
Matthew Buzzi,
PC Magazine,
26 July 2025
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In rare trips to the deep sea, scientists have uncovered sea cucumbers with purple-magenta ombre coloring; yeti crabs with hairy, feather-like claws; octopuses with ears like the Disney character Dumbo; iridescent mollusks; and phantasmic jellyfish.—
Amber X. Chen,
Smithsonian Magazine,
18 July 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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All of the chunks were from the west side which was covered by colorful graffiti, and thus more likely to sell.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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This colorful, nonalcoholic drink typically contains a mix of coconut water, citrus juice and certain salts.—
Faye Chiu,
CNN Money,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The double-sided stick—one metallic and the other foil—is attached by a magnetic base to mix-and-match pearlescent, sheer foils with full coverage, dimensional metallics.—
India Espy-Jones,
Essence,
11 July 2025
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One of the style’s most contentious points among purists is its pearlescent finish, which has shifted to varying shades over the shoe’s many reissues.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opalescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opalescent. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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