as in pallid
lacking a healthy skin color
still looking ashen from his bout with the flu
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Recent Examples of ashen
In his post-game meeting with reporters, New York coach Tom Thibodeau looked ashen and was at loss for explaining what unfolded.
—
Sean Gregory, Time, 22 May 2025
The urologist’s face, lit by the glow of these images, was ashen.
—Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
As the trial got underway, her clients sat ashen at the defense table.
—J. David Goodman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2025
But on one of our last days, the ashen sky cracked open to reveal fragments of a cerulean canvas.
—Celeste Moure, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for ashen
Sean Gregory, Time, 22 May 2025
The urologist’s face, lit by the glow of these images, was ashen.
—Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
As the trial got underway, her clients sat ashen at the defense table.
—J. David Goodman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2025
But on one of our last days, the ashen sky cracked open to reveal fragments of a cerulean canvas.
—Celeste Moure, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for ashen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ashen
Adjective
-
In other words, our complexion is looking pallid, our skin is dry, and our overall appearance is just a little blah at the moment.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
2 Jan. 2026
-
And try to summon, from our pallid, hazy situation, vistas of the sort that draw so sweet and pure a gaze.—
David Searcy,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Egg yolks can range in color from pale yellow to deep orange.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Think pale hues with a sober gray tint or tranquil neutrals.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ashen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ashen. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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