dye 1 of 2

noun

ˈdī How to pronounce dye (audio)
Definition of dyenext
as in pigment
a substance used to color other materials soaked the fabric in blue dye

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dye

2 of 2

verb

as in to paint
to give color or a different color to dyed her hair a startling red

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 dye
Noun
And, as expected from Vanicream (which is known for its ultra-gentle formulas), the serum is fragrance-free and formulated without common allergens like dyes and lanolin. — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 2 Sep. 2026 This means turning to the internet to learn about red dyes, additives, food as medicine, essential oils, and when to apply a garlic poultice to the bottom of your feet. — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
The fact that this was untrue—Holmes had dyed his hair red, but not for that reason—did little to dispel the rumor, which seemed to fit the popular belief that violent, dystopian art has the power to induce some viewers to commit terrible crimes. — Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026 The upper spread of clouds formed a dish shape, and half of the sky was already dyed black. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dye
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dye
  1. pigment
  2. paint
  3. coloring
  4. stain
  5. color
  6. tint
  7. colorant
Noun
  • Tallman approached the formula as skin care first, adding pigment and pearl afterward.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Titanium dioxide and iron oxides supply the pigment—though the former doesn’t make this a substitute for sunscreen—and light-reflecting mica keeps the finish from looking flat.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of pigment
Verb
  • Sesame proteins were found in a red sample from a coffin fragment and a tomb wall painting fragment, and moringa proteins were detected on a coffin sample.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The hothouse flowers of the salon—a nod to the city’s art nouveau Palmenhaus—were painstakingly painted by Viennese artist Marie Hartig, while the rooftop mural is by enigmatic graffiti artist KNARF.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of paint
Noun
  • With a smooth white leather upper packed with perforations for breathability, the Sport Blue colorway gets its name from the coloring across the sneaker’s midsole and on its branding and details.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The lawsuit further alleged that Trader Joe’s put its crustless PB&Js peanut in packaging that too closely resembled the coloring of an Uncrustables box and featured a similar photograph of a sandwich with a bite taken out of one side.
    — Dee-Ann Durbin, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of coloring
Verb
  • Several others said the incident has stained India’s credibility and the Hindu religion.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026
  • That one throw, aided by some controversial officiating, helped Michigan avoid a loss that would have stained its entire season.
    — Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of stain
Noun
  • Violet, named for the color of identifying crayon scrawled on her brow, is one of 250 to 500 patients the Marine Mammal Care Center rescues along the Los Angeles County coast every year.
    — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • However, some boxwood varieties naturally shift color throughout the year, so slight bronzing in fall and winter is nothing to worry about.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of color
Verb
  • Drawings in metalpoint must be made on paper coated with a slightly abrasive ground, which is often tinted.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Some manufacturers warn against using film on double-pane, low-e, tinted, laminated or insulated glass.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of tint
Noun
  • Updates across the lists include new restrictions on flame retardants and colorants, new or tightened limits on some chemicals and metals, and new substance limits for jewelry.
    — Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The dye free version skips the yellow colorant for a shorter ingredient list and a cleaner look.
    — Jamie Thilman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026
Definition of colorant

Browse Nearby Words

dyarchy
dye
dyed
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Cite this Entry

“Dye.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dye. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dye

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dye

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