Definition of iridescentnext
as in opalescent
having a rainbowlike play of colors an iridescent soap bubble

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 iridescent Ending the night on a whimsical note, a small box with a happy scene of pastel clouds and a hot air balloon etched in iridescent shells arrives. Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 Greenish or iridescent egg white is spoiled from Pseudomonas bacteria, and any black or green spots are also a sign of fungal or bacterial contamination, according to the Egg Safety Center. Michelle Darrisaw, Southern Living, 10 June 2026 Pigeons with iridescent purple necks strut about, and ducks continuously inquire, hoping for tidbits from passersby. Chi Varnado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026 Opt for Variation To lend depth and texture to your space, look for iridescent tile options that have artisanal detail and subtle variation, suggests Khahil. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for iridescent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for iridescent
Adjective
  • On the lagoon, villas open out onto sweeping wooden decks with opalescent plunge pools, cabanas, floor hammocks that hover over the sea as well as steps that lead right into it.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • Look to opalescent chrome powders, which can shift from pink to blue to green and give a milky white manicure underneath some unexpected pizzazz.
    Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 23 May 2026
Adjective
  • Nineteenth century Belgian crystal chandeliers and colorful glass lanterns adorn the sanctuary.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Its outdoor area is just as pretty, with colorful plants (a Judas tree, a Mount Etna Broom, roses, and jasmine) filling the garden.
    Katie Silcox, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Quahogs produce non-nacreous, porcelainlike pearls, according to the Gemological Institute of America.
    Shannon Marvel McNaught, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2022
  • Markov processes include an element of randomness—in this case, the thickness of the outermost nacreous layer—but one that can be influenced by the system’s history.
    Leila Sloman, Popular Mechanics, 28 Feb. 2022
Adjective
  • The elastic waistband shouldn’t dig into your skin no matter how long you’re seated for, and the practically pearlescent fabric will be a standout in photos throughout your vacation.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Casillas then swept a champagne color under her brows and a shimmery, pearlescent hue underneath her lower lashline, and paired the blue eye shadow with fluttery lashes and majorly dewy pink blush.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 9 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Iridescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/iridescent. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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