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
  • Aptly named, Robinson explains that tinted eye creams are basically skin care for the eyes that also contain some sort of tint or pigment.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 7 May 2026
  • These finger oximeters are less sensitive in people with darker skin pigment, which likely leads to underestimates of severity.
    Erika Yamazaki, The Conversation, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Plastic waste powers chemistry Anilines are widely used in the production of pharmaceuticals, dyes, agrochemicals, and advanced materials.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026
  • Others, advocating for improved food policies, have praised him for taking steps to remove artificial food dyes and crack down on ultraprocessed foods.
    Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Some of the new cocktails include the Dubai Tai, which mixes rum, a pistachio simple syrup and chocolate, and the Ay Dio Tigre, made with tequila, strawberry, watermelon, tajin and red food coloring.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
  • One new study looked at how the coloring of microplastics – the tiny bits of plastics found everywhere from our rivers to our brains – may actually be helping increase temperatures.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • The star was dipped in a rainbow of colors from her décolletage down to the spiral train of her body-hugging dress with fringe falling down the cuffs of the long-sleeve gown.
    Beatrice Dupuy, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
  • The artist worked with approximately 30 base colors, expanded through custom mixing, across roughly 40 hours of painting time, followed by approximately four days of drying with ventilation.
    Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 4 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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