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
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Recent Examples of opalescent
Each charm is made-to-order and features Prescription Kiss’ signature, glowing opalescent eyes.
—
Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2025
But sometimes the criteria for inclusion are murkier, as in Catherine Opie’s opalescent views of Lake Michigan, one for each season, hung with their horizons in line.
—Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025
In the crowd, Taraji P. Henson and her hairstylist Tym Wallace showed up in matching opalescent grills with the former in a dirty blonde pompadour pixie.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 12 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for opalescent
Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2025
But sometimes the criteria for inclusion are murkier, as in Catherine Opie’s opalescent views of Lake Michigan, one for each season, hung with their horizons in line.
—Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025
In the crowd, Taraji P. Henson and her hairstylist Tym Wallace showed up in matching opalescent grills with the former in a dirty blonde pompadour pixie.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 12 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for opalescent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opalescent
Adjective
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Its iridescent emerald feathers sparkle against its dazzling pink throat.—
Kier Holmes,
Martha Stewart,
18 Jan. 2026
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Deep opal nails bring an iridescent glow that feels almost otherworldly.—
Jennifer Hussein,
InStyle,
17 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Quahogs produce non-nacreous, porcelainlike pearls, according to the Gemological Institute of America.—
Shannon Marvel McNaught,
USA TODAY,
16 Aug. 2022
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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
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Soon, the beams should form a colorful, geometric structure.—
Angela Palermo,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Feb. 2026
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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
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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
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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
“Opalescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opalescent. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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