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 It is used to make liquid shellac, a brush-on colorant and wood finish, and is found in shampoos, aluminum foil and lipstick. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 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 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 But the replacements are still made of complex materials that include additives like colorants; the chemicals can react in ways the companies may not intend or understand, Boucher says. Matt Fuchs, Time, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for colorant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colorant
Noun
  • Blueberries are especially rich in anthocyanins, the pigments that give the fruit its color and help the plant withstand UV radiation and microbial stress.
    Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026
  • Ordinary human color vision runs on three types of cone cells in the retina, each carrying a light-sensitive pigment tuned to a different band of wavelengths — roughly short (perceived as blue), medium (green) and long (red).
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • Cream and white bouclé sofas are especially prone to showing spills, grime and dye transfer from clothing.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Beyond the dyes, the FDA began a systematic review of food chemicals.
    Avik Roy, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • White and green coloring means the berry isn’t yet ripe and will be tart instead of sweet.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 July 2026
  • Its elastic bridge straps hug the foot for optimal support, just as a removable OrthoLite insole specializes in soft landings and brand embroidery on the toe contrasts aptly with the kick’s chocolate brown coloring.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • There is at the same time just the one Garmin Cirqa, and four color options for it.
    Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • All fruits and vegetables provide micronutrients and antioxidants, but those that are darker and richer in color have higher concentrations of these anti-inflammatory compounds.
    Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 21 July 2026

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“Colorant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colorant. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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