colorants

Definition of colorantsnext
plural of colorant
as in pigments
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 colorants There was a push to use American dyes and colorants to stave off a deep economic recession—there wasn’t really any other choice—but the cold commercial reality dumped water all over that flag-waving parade. Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 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 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colorants
Noun
  • The shampoo uses highly concentrated violet pigments (which give it that signature purple hue) to neutralize yellow tones on contact.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In simpler terms, this lobster carries two distinct sets of genetic instructions — one set controlling the color pigments on one side of its shell, the other controlling the opposite side.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Action on vaping and other tobacco policies has largely taken a backseat under FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, who has focused on a slate of other priorities, including restricting COVID-19 vaccines, phasing out artificial food dyes and speeding up approval of some innovative drugs.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 May 2026
  • Typical formulas contain around 2 grams of sugar per serving, with no artificial dyes or sweeteners, and the brand offers both caffeinated and caffeine-free versions to suit different routines.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • The classic brushes come in two different sizes and 15 to 20 colors each, with every one working well.
    Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
  • But if our test cars are any indication of what’s possible during the ordering process, these accent colors can be altered or removed as would-be owners see fit.
    Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Colorants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colorants. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

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