impasto
noun
im·pas·to
im-ˈpa-(ˌ)stō 
-ˈpä-
plural impastos
1
: the thick application of a pigment to a canvas or panel in painting
also
: the body of pigment so applied
2
: raised decoration on ceramic ware usually of slip or enamel
Examples of impasto in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Norman has worked with impasto flowers for more than 25 years—implementing a technique that centers around thickly applying paint to a surface to create an almost sculptural quality.
—
Alexis Benveniste, Architectural Digest, 21 Nov. 2025
Finally, a long stretch of nothing happening, of innumerable plans, tradeoffs, controversies, objections, and delays — that whole impasto of New York–style dithering — has been overwhelmed by the vivid, sensual presence of one of the city’s great public spaces.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 3 July 2024
The paint itself ranges from thick impasto to thin washes that can presage those of Color Field paintings.
—Roberta Smith, New York Times, 27 July 2023
The show focuses on Kapoor’s painting practice, displaying corporeal expressions on canvas that are both broad in color and texture — layering thick, blood-red impasto.
—Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2023
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Alexis Benveniste, Architectural Digest, 21 Nov. 2025
Finally, a long stretch of nothing happening, of innumerable plans, tradeoffs, controversies, objections, and delays — that whole impasto of New York–style dithering — has been overwhelmed by the vivid, sensual presence of one of the city’s great public spaces.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 3 July 2024
The paint itself ranges from thick impasto to thin washes that can presage those of Color Field paintings.
—Roberta Smith, New York Times, 27 July 2023
The show focuses on Kapoor’s painting practice, displaying corporeal expressions on canvas that are both broad in color and texture — layering thick, blood-red impasto.
—Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for impasto
Cite this Entry
“Impasto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impasto. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.
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