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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Her acrylic nails were also the star of the show, square-cut and painted in an ombré red and gold on one hand and an iridescent amber on the other.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
10 June 2025
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Death Becomes Her star (and former third of Destiny’s Child) Michelle Williams attended the awards in a less dramatic, yet classic beauty moment: an iridescent purple manicure and smoky shadow paired with a natural silk press.—
India Espy-Jones,
Essence,
9 June 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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Other varieties provide additional design elements such as interesting bark, colorful fruits, and fabulous fall foliage to enhance the garden all year long.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
27 June 2025
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The film is set in the fictional Mongibello, which Highsmith based on the resort towns along the Amalfi Coast, and unlike nearly all of the previous decade’s noir films, Purple Noon presents its seaside setting in colorful daytime to dazzling visual effect.—
Erik Morse,
Vogue,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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This season is all about light-catching balms, pearlescent creams, and tone-matching highlighters that melt into the skin.—
Larry Stansbury,
Essence,
27 June 2025
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After all, some looks call for the new Sheens, which offer a pearlescent finish, while other lip looks need a touch of Classic neutral color.—
Jennifer Hussein,
Allure,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opalescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opalescent. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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