as in opalescent
having a rainbowlike play of colors
the nacreous lining of the shell of a mollusk
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 nacreous
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
Tiffany has a long-standing history with pearls, both nacreous—from oysters and mollusks—and non-nacreous, like Melo Melo pearls.
—Stellene Volandes, Town & Country, 20 Feb. 2021
An alternative explanation is that the red skies were the result of nacreous clouds common to that particular latitude.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 May 2020
Also called polar stratospheric clouds (or less precisely, rainbow clouds), nacreous clouds normally only form in high latitudes and at extremely cold temperatures.
—National Geographic, 3 Feb. 2016
Unfortunately, nacreous clouds also support chemical reactions that convert benign chlorine-containing molecules into a form that destroys Earth’s ozone layer.
—Rebecca Coffey, Discover Magazine, 29 Jan. 2012
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
Tiffany has a long-standing history with pearls, both nacreous—from oysters and mollusks—and non-nacreous, like Melo Melo pearls.
—Stellene Volandes, Town & Country, 20 Feb. 2021
An alternative explanation is that the red skies were the result of nacreous clouds common to that particular latitude.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 May 2020
Also called polar stratospheric clouds (or less precisely, rainbow clouds), nacreous clouds normally only form in high latitudes and at extremely cold temperatures.
—National Geographic, 3 Feb. 2016
Unfortunately, nacreous clouds also support chemical reactions that convert benign chlorine-containing molecules into a form that destroys Earth’s ozone layer.
—Rebecca Coffey, Discover Magazine, 29 Jan. 2012
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nacreous
Adjective
-
The aesthetic includes silver, opalescent, and holographic home accents, like the West Elm Pearl Iridescent Glass Votives.—
Jamie Weissman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Dec. 2025
-
Tyla’s glam followed suit, with an opalescent smoky eye that complemented the shells and a burst of pink blush by Ngozi Edeme (A.K.A. @paintedbyesther).—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Its iridescent emerald feathers sparkle against its dazzling pink throat.—
Kier Holmes,
Martha Stewart,
18 Jan. 2026
-
Deep opal nails bring an iridescent glow that feels almost otherworldly.—
Jennifer Hussein,
InStyle,
17 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Soon, the beams should form a colorful, geometric structure.—
Angela Palermo,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The first modern Mardi Gras took place in New Orleans in 1827 when a group of students danced through the streets in colorful costumes, and the first parade took place a decade later.—
Alex Driggars,
Austin American Statesman,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Hasbro is offering the magical weapons that HUNTR/X carry, including Rumi’s Four Tiger blade (a pearlescent foam blade), Mira’s Curved Moon Sword, and Zoey’s Spirit Blades.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Zoey’s Spirit Blades capture the playful energy of the bubbly fan-favorite, while Rumi’s Four Tiger Sword features a pearlescent foam blade and hilt fit for a fearless leader.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nacreous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nacreous. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
