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
From the rustic cobblestone streets to the pastel architecture and delicious and diverse food scene, this coastal city is full of rich history, charm, and, most of all, strong community. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026 In a series of photos posted on Instagram, the 28-year-old actress posed for a mirror selfie in a white bra with little pink floral details on it, and a pastel green button up over it, left unbuttoned. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 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
  • Because pale layers form between June and September and dark ones from October to April, the position of the ash inside a couplet enables relatively precise timing.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The changes could also spell disaster for children with disabilities, as state requirements for services often pale in comparison to Head Start’s federal mandates.
    — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of pale
Noun
  • Imagine darling dahlias in moody chocolate hues, or rows of multicolor Florentine flowers; or creamy watercolor butterflies and florals.
    — Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Bright colors during action sequences and conversations look vibrant, while backgrounds rendered in a more watercolor-style are properly subdued without seeming dull.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 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
  • Learn how to stain a fence the right way to protect a new wood fence or enhance a faded fence.
    — Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2026
Definition of faded
Noun
  • Tonight’s drawing will be the 43rd in a row in search of a winner, and its prize ranks as the eighth-largest jackpot in Powerball history, according to the Multi State Lottery Association, which administers the game.
    — Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Topline The Powerball jackpot climbed to $905 million after no winning tickets were sold for Saturday night’s drawing, although an eventual winner would take home much less after taxes.
    — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of drawing
Adjective
  • Ultimately, though, the highlight is grabbing a glass of local wine at the lobby bar, carrying it to any one of the viewpoints on the massive lawn, and watching sunset over the silent sound, feeling like everything the light touches is yours.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Across from her, the eminently likable Raúl Esparza makes for an unusually light Leontes.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 12 Aug. 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
  • Somewhere between the phone chargers and the lighters there is usually a small acrylic case at eye level.
    — Jesse M. Pines, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Clear acrylic is the standard finish, keeping the mechanism visible from across the room.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of acrylic

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Cite this Entry

“Pastel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pastel. Accessed 12 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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