pastel 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of pastelnext
as in pale
lacking intensity of color a pastel blue to go with the pale pink walls

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pastel

2 of 2

noun

as in watercolor

Related Words

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 pastel
Adjective
The ceramic version comes in Cloud (off-white), Midnight (metallic black), Petal (blush pink), or Tide (pastel blue-green). — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 13 July 2026 The delicate floral pattern looks as if it were painted against the pastel background, and the sheets feel as such—lightweight and breezy. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 13 July 2026
Noun
While the pastel was trending earlier this year, it’s officially been overtaken by its more summery sister. — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 24 June 2026 Among pop-up bars, bandstands and opulent, 19th century spa buildings painted in sherbet pastels, the Karlovy Vary Intl. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pastel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pastel
  1. pale
  2. watercolor
  3. faded
  4. drawing
  5. light
  6. gouache
  7. tempera
  8. acrylic
Adjective
  • The classic English-style fish and chips is unsurprisingly great with English ales like amber, pale or brown ales.
    — Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
  • Pet owners should monitor for persistent issues, pale gums, or collapse, and know their pet's normal vital signs.
    — Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of pale
Noun
  • An initial grisaille watercolor features a gentleman fly-fisher—Homer’s ideal client—about to scoop a trout into his net.
    — Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 31 July 2026
  • There are also plenty of games and activities for sale in the hotel store, including watercolor kits, colorful punch balloons, activity books, knitting kits, pick-up sticks, puzzles, toys, and more.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Definition of watercolor
Adjective
  • Today, Tskaltubo's grand architecture stands as a testament to its faded glory—the sweeping arcs, decorative motifs, and faded murals all reminiscent of its once poignant beauty.
    — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026
  • Eric_Lynxweiler | Courtesy of Latinos in Heritage Conservation The Silver Platter, with its faded crimson awning along a stretch in Los Angeles’ Westlake District, doesn’t look like much from the outside.
    — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of faded
Noun
  • The drawing also marks Powerball's expansion into the United Kingdom, bringing more players into the game and potentially setting the stage for even larger jackpots in the future.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 26 July 2026
  • That would be the Powerball big prize, which will be up to $633 million for Monday’s drawing.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 26 July 2026
Definition of drawing
Adjective
  • Medical news of that kind is terrifying to receive, even if Cohen and her director, Alex Timbers, keep the mood light.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 28 July 2026
  • Inflatable construction has long been making lighter rooftop tents.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 July 2026
Definition of light
Noun
  • The tarot is a full 78-card deck, with each card an original work of art, usually a composite of gouache painting and collage/lithography.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
  • The first iteration of the lottery was won by Jeffrey Gonano, a 25-year-old man from a suburb of Pittsburgh, who won a L’Homme au Gibus (1914), also a gouache on paper.
    — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of gouache
Noun
  • This will be followed by a final period in Florence to learn the technique and historical evolution of egg tempera, to acquire ancient handweaving skills and expand her knowledge of its applications in the ecclesiastic context.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
  • The decision to paint with tempera, the same medium used to create those Arabic maps, proved fortuitous.
    — Zoe Si, New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2025
Definition of tempera
Noun
  • The quick-dry foam cushions are made of Sunbrella 100% acrylic fabric and have a taupe stripe.
    — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Her blonde hair, acrylic nails, high heels, rhinestones, waist-cinching silhouettes, and curves were not accidents of taste.
    — Debbie Millman, Time, 25 July 2026
Definition of acrylic

Browse Nearby Words

pasted
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Cite this Entry

“Pastel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pastel. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pastel

Nglish: Translation of pastel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pastel

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