Definition of opalescentnext
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

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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 opalescent 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 Orlando sees their house from a distance below them, small as an opalescent shell. Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026 As the world outside begins to resemble the full-moon mating frenzy of the opalescent squid, crack open Sylvia Townsend Warner’s 1948 novel about nuns eking out an existence in a 14th-century convent and one night of celibacy might not seem so bad. Air Mail, 14 Feb. 2026 To determine the impact of these conservation goals, scientists need a way to understand the true size of the opalescent squid population. Jules Jacobs, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for opalescent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opalescent
Adjective
  • Makeup artist Ernesto Casillas used an iridescent purple eyeshadow all over her lids.
    Mykenna Maniece, Vogue, 22 June 2026
  • The photos feature the Queen of Pop leaning forward with her hands on her thighs, showcasing her iridescent purple bodysuit.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 12 June 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
  • Bringing new teenage characters into the Factory, with Kit Connor already announced as lead voice cast, the film appears to be a fast-paced, thrilling and colorful adventure for young audiences, and got enthusiastic feedback from Annecy’s crowds.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 24 June 2026
  • Lasichanh sported colorful sneakers for her footwear, carried a small Louis Vuitton bag and wore delicate jewelry pieces to complete her casually bent attire.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • With a simple white line of polish, transform your fingertips into works of art like this pearlescent beige manicure does.
    Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 14 June 2026
  • To my right was a picture of a pearlescent orb floating on a blank field.
    Jonathan Odden, Artforum, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opalescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opalescent. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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