colorful

adjective

ˈkə-lər-fəl How to pronounce colorful (audio)
Definition of colorfulnext
as in colored
marked by a variety of usually vivid colors the colorful robes and blankets of the Native Americans of the Southwest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 colorful Shatterproof cups, colorful plastic mixing bowls, vinyl tablecloths—all were marketed as time-saving solutions to ease a housewife’s burden. — Shoshi Parks, Popular Science, 30 July 2026 Mette Brink Søberg, the head of research and development, delicately topped a berry gazpacho dish with colorful flower petals, recently plucked from the nearby garden, in the test kitchen. — James Brooks, Fortune, 30 July 2026 Channel a bit of glamour with Grace Kelly's look by pairing a colorful caftan with an elegant turban. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 30 July 2026 Victor Valensky, a 38-year-old driver of a colorful bus known as a tap-tap, was one of them. — ABC News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for colorful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colorful
  1. colored
  2. varied
  3. rainbow
  4. vibrant
  5. various
Adjective
  • Rows of amber colored pill bottles fill the wall behind a pharmacist who prepares 1,200 medications a day – more than some New York City children’s hospitals.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
  • My test car featured predominantly black seats with contrasting white trim and additional light-colored detailing throughout the cabin.
    — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of colored
Adjective
  • Explanations for this varied among sources, and officially, Sotheby’s said they had been asked too late to do facilitate the sale, despite their initial acceptance.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The pairing of those two backs, plus the threat of Maiava’s legs, gives USC a varied backfield capable of breaking a big play at any moment.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of varied
Adjective
  • Players whose teams wore Pride Night caps had the option to wear their everyday, non-rainbow hats.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
  • The numbers on the backs of player jerseys were rainbow, and there were constantly pride/rainbow graphics popping up on the jumbotron.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2026
Definition of rainbow
Adjective
  • The magic is the schug (a vibrant blend of spicy Italian long peppers, garlic and herbs) and tomato seeds that add an acidic kick.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • Shots taken outdoors in sunny Toronto were bright, clear, and vibrant.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 30 July 2026
Definition of vibrant
Adjective
  • Eco effort The property has invested in a resort-wide recycling program, providing recycling bins at various touch points and committing to all cups, service ware, and to-go containers being made from recycled materials.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Deals like this appear because people buy on impulse, then quickly lose interest for various reasons.
    — Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of various

Browse Nearby Words

colored
colorful
colorfully
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Colorful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colorful. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on colorful

Nglish: Translation of colorful for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All