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

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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 Adding a hint of shimmer and shine to a classic look, this style has a familiarly neutral base, but replaces that solid white tip with an iridescent cat-eye effect that catches the light like glass. Mica Ricketts, Refinery29, 10 Aug. 2025 Purple sea fans waved beneath the surface while iridescent blue chromis, a type of damselfish, looked fit for a rave. Marlise Kast-Myers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025 The delicate, iridescent fabric matched the ethereal nature of Lohan’s soft blond waves and light makeup. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 31 July 2025 Starring Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the eponymous quartet and Julia Garner (as the mysteriously iridescent Shalla-Bal, a.k.a. Chris Lee, Vulture, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for iridescent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for iridescent
Adjective
  • But sometimes the criteria for inclusion are murkier, as in Catherine Opie’s opalescent views of Lake Michigan, one for each season, hung with their horizons in line.
    Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025
  • The formal coupes are polished using specialty techniques to reveal a reflective, opalescent finish.
    Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Tommy and re-united ex-wife Angela (Ali Larter) will continue with colorful combustion.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • On the Cielo Point Lawn, there’s a variety of family activities, including a caricature artist, a tie-dye station to create colorful T-shirts, watermelon eating contests, and more.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025
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
  • Get softer, pearlescent, silky-smooth skin with L'Occitane’s Huile Scintillante Shimmering Oil, fortified with almond oil sourced from Provence (ooh la la).
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The color is a pearlescent pale green that catches the light and gives the nails a shiny polished effect.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Iridescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/iridescent. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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