tertiary color

noun

Synonyms of tertiary colornext
1
: a color produced by an equal mixture of a primary color with a secondary color adjacent to it on the color wheel
2
: a color produced by mixing two secondary colors

Examples of tertiary color in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Having a tertiary color would’ve helped to break up the red, especially since the lettering is the same color. Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026 What are the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors on a color wheel? Kate Reggev, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2024 Pair with vibrant teals or calm navy for a colorful primary or tertiary color palette. Kaylei Fear, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Oct. 2023 The addition of a tertiary color (green) opened up some possibilities in terms of licensing. Joe Knowles, chicagotribune.com, 22 May 2018

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of tertiary color was circa 1864

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Cite this Entry

“Tertiary color.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tertiary%20color. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

Medical Definition

tertiary color

noun
: a color produced by mixing two secondary colors

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