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
  • Directed by Takushi Koide, the series models its art style after anime from the early ’90s, its characters designed with shiny wide eyes, expressive round faces, thick inking, and warm, simple coloring.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026
  • Mix a few tablespoons of vegetable oil or olive oil with food coloring, and pour the concoction into a clear glass of water.
    Nicole Harris, Parents, 18 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 27 Jul. 2026.

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