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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The males also have an iridescent red throat and the females have brownish crowns and sides.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
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The same phenomenon can also be seen at play in the iridescent surfaces or soap bubbles and on butterfly wings.—
Ian Randall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 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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Mexico draws travelers for its irresistible regional cuisines, colorful textiles and art, and millennia-old traditions—all of which are well-reflected in the country’s eclectic hotels.—
Sarah Bruning,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
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This Superman brings back the colorful visuals, the humor, the clever quips in the midst of battle, the lightheartedness of the vintage comics.—
Scott Phillips,
Forbes.com,
8 July 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 16 Jul. 2025.
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