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
Not the start of a joke, but instead the typical Wednesday night front row at Tory Burch, who brought together A-listers, sardine pins and pendants, colorful knits and a Dolly Parton soundtrack moment that had everyone singing along.
—
Anika Reed, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
There were the bright figurative paintings from the beginning of his career, the colorful abstract work and the more nuanced encaustic paintings, using hot wax.
—Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
The result is a concerning weather alert map lit up like a colorful Bob Ross painting.
—Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 17 Feb. 2026
The tan forewings have black spots, while their signature colorful hindwings have lower red and upper black patches separated by a white section.
—Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for colorful
Anika Reed, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
There were the bright figurative paintings from the beginning of his career, the colorful abstract work and the more nuanced encaustic paintings, using hot wax.
—Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
The result is a concerning weather alert map lit up like a colorful Bob Ross painting.
—Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 17 Feb. 2026
The tan forewings have black spots, while their signature colorful hindwings have lower red and upper black patches separated by a white section.
—Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for colorful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colorful
Adjective
-
Meanwhile her partner, Broderick went the traditional route with a black suit, white button-up shirt, and a light-colored tie.—
Elle Meier,
InStyle,
16 Feb. 2026
-
The luxury hotel chain creative director, 47, wore a dark-colored peacoat, grey sweater and slacks.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
For instance my friend Peter Lucas has used the science of fracture mechanics to explain why mammals have such varied designs of teeth.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The varied body of work earned three Emmy Awards and an honorary Academy Award.—
Kevin Crust,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Adept anglers can fly-fish for them across the varied terrain of the property’s creeks or patrol the marshy perimeters its six Class A lakes for the coveted catch, as well as fellow trout—namely rainbow, brown, and brook–that often exceed 20 inches.—
Alexandra Kirkman,
Robb Report,
29 May 2025
-
Suspended from the fashionable wooden arch are a teething ring, crinkly rainbow, rattle, mirror, and plush moon to promote hand-eye coordination.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
24 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
Of the other options, Bone Fire takes grilling to another level with unique preparations of excellent cuts of meat and fresh fish, while Marea, which serves lunch and dinner, explores the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean.—
José Cantillo Ferrer,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Kelly’s emotional two-dimensionality increases our anger on behalf of Pidgeon’s Carolyn, a vibrant professional woman who sees her life and her career toxified by the paparazzi and the press.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The city of Malibu sued the state and the city and county of Los Angeles and other entities on Wednesday, accusing them of various failures that led to the start and proliferation of the Palisades fire that destroyed hundreds of Malibu homes along with municipal facilities and infrastructure.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Six of the members were previously rescued with various injuries.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Colorful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colorful. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
