mellow 1 of 2

adjective

ˈme-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce mellow (audio)
Definition of mellownext
1
as in melodic
having a pleasantly flowing quality suggestive of music the mellow tones of an old violin

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect a teacher with a mellow approach to classroom discipline mellow soaps

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pleasant
having an easygoing and pleasing manner especially in social situations mellow and unflappable, the office manager greatly contributes to the work environment

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4
as in unaffected
having a relaxed, casual manner a mellow crowd sat on the grass and enjoyed the music coming from the band shell

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mellow

2 of 2

verb

as in to mature

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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 mellow
Adjective
Warm yet uplifting with a strong hit of black tea, Still Bloom's cardomom, sesame, and orange top notes hit like a shot of caffeine before dissipating into a mellow, comforting underbelly of musk, rose and cedarwood, to name a few. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 The first mile is pretty mellow, but this moderate trail features several switchbacks. — Abigail Bliss, Denver Post, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
But even when the buzz mellows in the weeks following the NBA Finals, Brunson will never take his foot off the gas. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 15 June 2026 Softening the red onion in hot water, vinegar, sugar, and salt helps to mellow its raw flavor, while keeping its crunchy texture. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mellow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mellow
  1. melodic
  2. gentle
  3. pleasant
  4. unaffected
  5. mature
  6. lyrical
  7. soothing
  8. gracious
Adjective
  • That decision paid off, as the gorgeous album marries thoughtful and melodic production with deeply personal storytelling about the member’s families and upbringings.
    — Katie Bain, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2026
  • With delirious melodic instincts, the Bronx rapper’s new tape evokes Young Money-era swag on a SoundCloud budget.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of melodic
Adjective
  • Its epic-length bookends transposed the funereal aims of Bell Witch’s modern doom masterpiece Mirror Reaper to Floydian realms, while its gentler, more meditative midsection never completely renounced the artists’ metal roots.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Our goal was to take it easy during the daylight hours with a gentle hike or two, and store up our energy for a nocturnal expedition come sundown.
    — Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of gentle
Adjective
  • Afternoons should be mild and mostly sunny, with lower humidity making outdoor plans more pleasant.
    — Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 2 Nov. 2026
  • As Los Angeles became more crowded and less pleasant a place to live, the high-handedness of Southern California developers and officialdom occasionally got those hands slapped.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of pleasant
Adjective
  • The war has cast a shadow on Persian Gulf nations that have long presented themselves as paragons of stability in a volatile region, mostly unaffected by the conflicts raging in the wider Middle East.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The higher-speed rail line’s South Florida service is unaffected as all trains serving West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami are running as scheduled.
    — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Verb
  • Such growth goes to show that UGVs have matured from what was largely an experimental technology to a bulwark of Ukraine’s national defense.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Depending on the strategy, the notes may take up to five years to mature.
    — Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of mature
Adjective
  • The film’s wondrously street-lyrical patter, its emblematic phrases and inflections, amount to a vast act of world-building—a lost milieu brought back to life in bygone clichés.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The book is a rich and lyrical telling of her childhood as the daughter of a dynasty of Manhattan wine sellers; her days on the New York City club scene of the late ’90s; her culinary studies, acting auditions, and restaurant jobs; and more.
    — Tarajia Morrell, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of lyrical
Adjective
  • The noodles vibrate with heat, ricocheting between the prickly Sichuan pepper, hot garlic, chiles and soothing sesame.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • With a subtle and spa-like floral scent and a soothing, lightweight gel consistency, the cream also lends itself to a pleasantly sensorial application experience.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of soothing
Adjective
  • In This Article There are occasions that call for heirloom china and sparkling crystal, but a truly gracious host knows that the most enjoyable gatherings aren’t necessarily the ones with the finest things, but rather, a relaxed environment.
    — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Elegant and gracious Parisians turned Florentines, the Marcianos were my generous hosts for a long weekend in the Tuscan capital.
    — Matt Ortile, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of gracious

Phrases Containing mellow

Browse Nearby Words

mellifluous
mellow
mellowed
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Cite this Entry

“Mellow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mellow. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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