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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
Fresh, clean pastel tones are also on the rise, with gelato colors such as Floss (a bubblegum pink), Parlour (a soft off-white), Boxington, and Celestial Blue increasing in popularity. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 14 Sep. 2026 Georgia O’Keefe in her austere blacks and whites, struck a seemingly deliberate, stark juxtaposition with the cloudy, pastel-toned washes of her southwestern paintings. — Chloe Schama, Vogue, 10 Sep. 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
  • Windows are wide, sightlines are clear, and the palette is of pale stone, natural linens, and weathered cedar.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The actress wore a dress from the Lebanese designer’s resort 2027 collection, a pale lilac strapless dress with sheer chiffon fabric encrusted with a bevy of shimmering bugle beads.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of pale
Noun
  • The Artist Loft features artists in residence who teach workshops in various mediums, from collage to watercolor.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Korsgaard’s lovely watercolor paintings adorn the book’s endpapers and recap the monthly finds described in each chapter.
    — Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of watercolor
Adjective
  • The quasi-patriotic palette got contemporary edge from faded lines running through the red and dark navy stripes, which shifted between vertical and horizontal directions.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Choose between four wearable shades—a dark indigo, a medium-light blue, a super faded light wash, and black.
    — Jordan Julian, InStyle, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of faded
Noun
  • On a Saturday of Powerball, Fantasy 5 and Florida Lotto drawings, two jackpots paid off, both winners getting their tickets at Publix stores.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Its worldwide significance is exhibited through drawings and textiles, offering visitors an impactful experience.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of drawing
Adjective
  • Outdated Fixtures and Hardware Be on the lookout for now out-of-style fixtures such as brass-and-crystal light fixtures, old-fashioned (circa 1980) doorknobs and bath faucets, or cabinet pulls that belong in grandma’s kitchen, according to Ryan.
    — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Swift paired the sporty top with light-wash jeans, a thin black belt, and a luxe Cartier Love bracelet.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of light
Noun
  • Christie’s estimates the large, rare tempera and gouache painting of a festive, folkloric Russian scene, which Kandinsky made in Paris, will fetch over $30 million.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of gouache
Noun
  • Christie’s estimates the large, rare tempera and gouache painting of a festive, folkloric Russian scene, which Kandinsky made in Paris, will fetch over $30 million.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of tempera
Noun
  • The blanket is woven from acrylic and is made to maintain its color over time.
    — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Nearby is another Barnes work, an acrylic painting depicting a neighborhood pool hall.
    — Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 18 Sep. 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 27 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pastel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pastel

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