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
Marci Robin,
Allure,
22 June 2026
There are faint smudges of pastel crayon on the wall and carved profanities with paint chips revealing the previous cerulean walls.
—
Ashley Andreou,
STAT,
22 June 2026
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
25 Apr. 2026
The trio wanted to speak to children directly, and using oil pastel was part of their approach.
—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pastel
Adjective
Nail artist Michelle Humphrey shared a close-up of the awesome nail design, featuring the palest possible pastel periwinkle base in a soft-focus jelly finish.
—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
22 June 2026
There are faint smudges of pastel crayon on the wall and carved profanities with paint chips revealing the previous cerulean walls.
—
Ashley Andreou,
STAT,
22 June 2026
Noun
Falling somewhere between a fresh pastel and a polished neutral, the hue brings a sense of lightness without sacrificing sophistication.
—
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
25 Apr. 2026
The trio wanted to speak to children directly, and using oil pastel was part of their approach.
—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pastel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pastel
Adjective
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Located on the northeast coast near Willikies, this peaceful area offers wide stretches of pale sand, clear shallow water, and easy access to some of Antigua’s most beautiful coastline.
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Too much sunlight, normally only a problem in areas with extremely hot climates, may cause plants to bleach out and look pale, which may be mistaken for yellowing.
Noun
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This maxi shirt dress in a watercolor gingham is an eye-catching twist on a classic Americana staple.
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Paul would need to be in his stone turret office on the idyllic watercolor of a campus five days a week.
Adjective
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Directed by Son Jae-gon and starring Gang Dong-won, Uhm Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun, the film tracks a faded first-generation K-pop co-ed dance trio making a reckless attempt to stage a comeback two decades after a plagiarism scandal dissolved their careers.
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The one difference was a new layer of red bricks over the faded previous layer.
Noun
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The winning numbers for the Wednesday, June 24, Powerball drawing are 13, 14, 16, 21, 38, and the Powerball is 14.
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The quirky chain has not officially announced the location, but a Formal Site Development Plan submitted to the city late last year included drawings identifying Trader Joe’s as the occupant.
Adjective
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While linen and silk are light and airy, some occasions call for a sturdier yet equally breathable option.
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If your energy dips, take a brief stretch, then return to the task with a lighter touch and clearer purpose.
Noun
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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.
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Ari Hodara, a 59-year-old software engineer from Paris, won Tête de femme (1941), or head of a woman, a gouache-on-paper portrait, according to Reuters.
Noun
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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.
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Use a paintbrush or your finger to cover the egg with tempera paint.
Noun
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Kartell’s acrylic Shelfish shelves look great as standalone fixtures or play well with a whole stack lining your bathroom wall.
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Crosby used acrylic paint, colored pencils, charcoal, and transfers on paper to create the massive 9-by-10 piece.
Cite this Entry
“Pastel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pastel. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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