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
In summer 2026 the modern twist comes in the form of finding ones in versatile cuts and color palettes that range from white to pastel shades to subtle floral prints. — René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 9 July 2026 This pastel neon peach pedi works for beach strolls and summertime soirees alike. — Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Noun
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 Narrow lanes wind past jewelry shops, rum bars and pastel facades. — David Dickstein, Oc Register, 17 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
  • Indeed, the seeds are extremely small and can range in color from blue-black to gray, white or pale yellow, depending on the variety.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 July 2026
  • Bo grinned, staring at the pale-blue walls of the large classroom.
    — Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
Definition of pale
Noun
  • This iteration of ivy decor is less like a realistic watercolor and more like a freer, more abstract one.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2026
  • Choose a soothing activity, maybe watercolor, music, cooking, or a quiet walk, and give it your full attention so your spirit settles.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
Definition of watercolor
Adjective
  • 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
  • The faded fabric, buttery-soft cotton, and contrast-trim neckline lend it a vintage vibe that won’t look out of place when paired with more contemporary pieces.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 28 June 2026
Definition of faded
Noun
  • The winning numbers for Friday’s Mega Millions lottery drawing are 22, 34, 45, 48, and 55.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 18 July 2026
  • The maximalist space is filled with art pieces big and small — drawings taped up, random plant pots and street signs, scrap-metal sculptures and realist paintings.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026
Definition of drawing
Adjective
  • On a lighter note, FIFA’s attempt to ban fans — eventually U-turned under duress — from bringing water bottles to stadiums in a summer World Cup encapsulated the greed that defined their tournament.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Many in the audience honored Wells by wearing shades of blue, especially light blue, after his mother encouraged those who wished to wear color to do so.
    — Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 20 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
  • Use a paintbrush or your finger to cover the egg with tempera paint.
    — Annabelle Canela, Parents, 14 Mar. 2026
Definition of tempera
Noun
  • The teak build can withstand rainstorms and wine spills, while the acrylic cushions can be wiped clean.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 15 July 2026
  • The weight considerations can be found in many of the design decisions, such as the dual-pane acrylic windows, which were chosen to reduce the overall weight of the trailer.
    — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of acrylic

Browse Nearby Words

pasted
pastel
pastels
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Cite this Entry

“Pastel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pastel. Accessed 22 Jul. 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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