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
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
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
See All Example Sentences for opalescent
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
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
See All Example Sentences for opalescent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opalescent
Adjective
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At times, metallic dust left parts of Jordan High’s campus covered in an iridescent sheen, and the school district has in the past removed contaminated soil from the campus.—
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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In a selfie video, Klum styled her signature long blonde hair in an effortless blowout with face-framing curtain bangs, showing off an iridescent high-octane blue and purple eyeshadow look.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 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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The latter is popular with professionals for its colorful adjuster shades—liquid pigments in unnatural colors that can alter the tone of your base.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
11 Mar. 2026
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As a twist on a traditional ambrosia salad, this colorful punch brings in all the same flavors with orange juice, pineapple juice, coconut water, and maraschino cherries, plus more citrus and mint to garnish.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Downstairs, the grandeur continues at Carbone Riviera, whose pearlescent, mosaic-tiled dining room conjures a fairytale villa on the Italian Riviera — or at least Vegas’s idea of one.—
Roger Kisby,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
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Tiny, pearlescent buttons add an elegant touch and can be worn in the front or the back to maximize outfit versatility.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Opalescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opalescent. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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