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
News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
The retailer's miniature tote bags have taken over social media time and time again, from the viral pastel tote bags to the adorable Halloween mini totes.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2026
Kara Nesvig, Allure, 3 Mar. 2026
Opt for a baby pastel blue to still be close enough to a versatile neutral.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pastel
Adjective
The church theater was transformed into a retro scene, complete with checkerboard dance floor, vinyl records lining the walls, and a balloon arch in pastel pink and turquoise.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
The retailer's miniature tote bags have taken over social media time and time again, from the viral pastel tote bags to the adorable Halloween mini totes.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2026
Noun
Her lips were lined with a dark greige liner, but instead of a pale pink, prismatic pastel, or shimmery beige lip color, Smith opted for a color-changing gold that flashed with metallic champagne tones in one light and warm, fiery orange in others, depending on the angle and the light.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 3 Mar. 2026
Opt for a baby pastel blue to still be close enough to a versatile neutral.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pastel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pastel
Adjective
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All German Pilsner malt, super soft water profile like that in a Czech pale lager, and 100% US-grown hops with a touch of flaked corn.—
Blaine Callahan,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
Gwyneth, for one, wore a red collared jacket over a pale blue cotton maxi dress, styled with red sandals and black Wayfarers.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Think pottery classes, watercolor lessons, baking, gardening, book clubs, Pilates, surf lessons and dance classes like hip hop.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
-
Lively leaned into the moment with a look designed to turn heads — an archival 2006 Atelier Versace gown in soft watercolor tones.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
When deadheading, cut where the blossom's stem joins the rest of the plant—in other words, remove not only the faded flower, but the tiny stem attached to it as well.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
10 May 2026
-
Next to the dog, a faded print of Big Ben, and a commemorative plate with the late Queen Elizabeth II smiling from nine different decades.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
An opportunity drawing will be held for an 8-foot-by-8-foot shed to boost fundraising.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2026
-
On the morning after the April 22 drawing, Huesgen received an email from the lottery that took him by surprise.—
David Chiu,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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But with fat’s waning popularity, Americans were eager to ditch those thick hunks of red meat for lighter poultry.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 May 2026
-
That estimate is based on how bright the object appears and how much light scientists think its surface reflects.—
Matthew Glasser,
ABC News,
13 May 2026
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.—
Leigh Anne Miller,
ARTnews.com,
15 Apr. 2026
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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.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
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.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
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Use a paintbrush or your finger to cover the egg with tempera paint.—
Annabelle Canela,
Parents,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Poway Center for the Performing Arts will be filled from top to bottom with art in a wide variety of techniques and mediums – pastel, watercolor, oil, acrylic and mixed media – during the North County Society of Fine Arts Exhibit through May 30.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2026
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Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon and acrylic shed tiny plastic fibers every time they’re washed — especially fuzzy materials like polyester fleece.—
Ryan Brennan
May 11,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pastel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pastel. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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