Definition of colorantnext
as in pigment
a substance used to color other materials in ancient times, a mollusk was used to produce a rich purple colorant for clothing and linens

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of colorant Every Rae product remains vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from harmful fillers, colorants, and artificial preservatives. Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 16 Dec. 2025 Founded in Brazil by Ailton Pereira, the process converts agro-industrial waste into textile colorants designed to reduce reliance on petrochemical dyes. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2026 Twenty-six other states have followed in California’s footsteps with legislation — some signed into law, others still in progress — that would either ban, restrict or require labels for artificial colorants. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026 But that other supplier would have to try to reverse engineer that particular dye — formulas for dyes and colorants were, in spite of being in service to the war effort, still proprietary — and backward engineering color from a finished product is a crapshoot. Kory Stamper, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for colorant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colorant
Noun
  • White cats get their color from a lack of pigment in their fur.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • The viscosity is relatively thicker, which is necessary to keep the pigment from running or becoming patchy.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Best shampoo treatment This shampoo’s formula is free of harsh chemicals such as lanolin, parabens, fragrances, and harmful dyes that can irritate the surface of the skin.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • Renasens received the Innovation in Recycling Technology Award for its waterless process that strips dyes and separates fibers in blended garments while leaving them intact.
    Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • This recipe skips the traditional green food coloring in favor of chives for noticeably colorful freshness.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
  • The coloring signals that the chicken has been cooked evenly.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • The campaign features three colorful and pink-hued drinks inspired by the vibrant hair colors and Snapchat filters that defined the era which ran from roughly 2014 through 2016.
    Emily Rella, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
  • All entries will be evaluated based on creativity, distinctive color or music identity, and an understanding of global music trends.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Colorant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colorant. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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