as in iridescent
having a rainbowlike play of colors
once given away as a cheap prize at carnivals, this opalescent glass is now highly prized by collectors
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 opalescent
Mike Navarro, an oceanographer at the University of Alaska Southeast, studied opalescent squids during his PhD at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
—
Jules Jacobs, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2025
The majestic stillness of the full beaver moon, hovering pink and opalescent in the horizon.
—Jennifer Hope Choi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
The Ellipse required 90 cm of gold wire shaped by hand and 20 shades of opaque and opalescent enamel, while the table clock used over 16 m of gold wire in three different widths and 45 shades of mainly translucent enamel mixed with some semi-translucent or opaque versions of the material.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 24 Mar. 2025
Nor could anyone ever be a better pal to Leslie than Ann, opalescent tree shark.
—Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opalescent
Jules Jacobs, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2025
The majestic stillness of the full beaver moon, hovering pink and opalescent in the horizon.
—Jennifer Hope Choi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
The Ellipse required 90 cm of gold wire shaped by hand and 20 shades of opaque and opalescent enamel, while the table clock used over 16 m of gold wire in three different widths and 45 shades of mainly translucent enamel mixed with some semi-translucent or opaque versions of the material.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 24 Mar. 2025
Nor could anyone ever be a better pal to Leslie than Ann, opalescent tree shark.
—Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opalescent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opalescent
Adjective
-
Toasty makeup inspirations Tyla The South African singer sports a perfect example of toasty makeup, with her luminous complexion, iridescent eyelids, and warm rosy blush applied to the apples of her cheeks.—
Jeanne Ballion,
Vogue,
1 Sep. 2025
-
As the show concluded (after a few changes in between), the star wore this structural, iridescent latex bodysuit and winged jacket by Vex, getting closer to the nakedness of her true self.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
31 Aug. 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
-
The 12-piece line, featuring colorful plates, cups, candleholders, and a show-stopping spiral vase, reimagines classic Swedish holiday traditions with a fresh, joyful edge.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Her character also loved wearing colorful hues like orange, according to Mickens, this reflects her actual Caribbean heritage.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
9 Sep. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Opalescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opalescent. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share