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
  • 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
  • In a video shared to Instagram on Thursday, July 16, the actress, 47, fluffs her new light blonde locks before making a heart with her hands.
    — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
  • Moths prefer pale and light-colored flowers because these blossoms reflect moonlight much better and are easier for moths to find in the dark.
    — Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 21 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 next issue was iterating through all the model changes necessary to incorporate the acrylic and NDF into the clock case.
    — Lee Hutchinson, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026
  • The Crown released six references with PNDs throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s, switching up bezels from metal to acrylic, swapping between screw-down and pump-style pushers, updating movements, and tweaking that famous face.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 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 25 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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