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 Makeup artist Ernesto Casillas used an iridescent purple eyeshadow all over her lids. — Mykenna Maniece, Vogue, 22 June 2026 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 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
  • This year’s outdoor fall decor runs the gamut from classic pumpkins and colorful wreaths to lanterns, doormats and pieces that lean more neutral than traditional orange and black.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Florida has a colorful history as a haven for smugglers and scammers.
    — Mike Ryan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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