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
as in watercolor
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pastel
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2026
The pastel embellishments contrasted with a bright yellow satin detail at the bustline.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
Eric Barton, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
Pick a shade with less of the pastel Ely mentioned, instead opting for one that is deeper in tone and/or has a touch more warmth.
—Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pastel
Adjective
Mismatched Pastel Kitchen Appliances Before the appliance world went primarily stainless steel, kitchens featured appliances, gadgets, cabinets, and walls in many shades of pastel and bright colors.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2026
The pastel embellishments contrasted with a bright yellow satin detail at the bustline.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
Sunrise yoga There’s a moment, right before the sun lifts, when the sky fills with strips of pastel, a warm-up.
—Eric Barton, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
Pick a shade with less of the pastel Ely mentioned, instead opting for one that is deeper in tone and/or has a touch more warmth.
—Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pastel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pastel
Adjective
-
Egg yolks can range in color from pale yellow to deep orange.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Think pale hues with a sober gray tint or tranquil neutrals.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Bring your own artwork and supplies (acrylic, oil, or watercolor) to work with Alex and fellow artists.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Dec. 2025
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This month, Davis painted the Christmas tree inside the Union Station and included a watercolor sticker of the Shuttlecock at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
22 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, her glam was soft and even-toned, bolstered only by a sharp baby wing of black liner, highlight on her nose and a faded taupe hue on her lips.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Each of the 22 pages, about the size of those in a typical hardcover book, is inscribed on both sides with easily visible black and faded-brown words written by the monks.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In one corner is an animator’s drawing desk with a schedule, maquettes of the Lilo and Stitch characters, lamp and stool.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Jan. 2026
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Fans subscribed to the Luck Presents email list and social media channels will be given a three-day window to enter a random drawing for a chance to purchase a ticket.—
Mars Salazar,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Manyando pointed to how social media buzz around figures like her client, singer and rapper Fetty Wap seems to unlock collective memories of a lighter time.—
Jasmine Browley,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
The relatively light impact locally stood in contrast to widespread airline warnings issued nationwide.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Made with gouache and pencil on paper, the work depicts a guitar and several everyday objects, including a bottle and a folded sheet of paper, arranged on a table in soft brown and gray tones.—
Dragana Jovanovic,
ABC News,
18 Oct. 2025
-
With an airbrush borrowed from his job at an ad agency, Man Ray would blast droplets of gouache onto board or heavy paper and use stencils to organize the spray.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The decision to paint with tempera, the same medium used to create those Arabic maps, proved fortuitous.—
Zoe Si,
New Yorker,
19 Dec. 2025
-
Paints and Brushes You can regularly find acrylic or tempera paint in a variety of colors.—
Kathy Barnes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Plus, the acrylic casing keeps items protected.—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
21 Jan. 2026
-
The reversible blanket features 100 percent polyester on one side and a polyester, acrylic, and wool blend material on the other that creates the perfect balance of buttery-soft comfort and soothing warmth without feeling too heavy.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pastel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pastel. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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