as in pale
lacking intensity of color
a pastel blue to go with the pale pink walls
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Nila Do Simon, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
The Oura Ring 4 also now comes in ceramic options and pastel colors, if the original gold, rose gold, silver, bronze, and black weren’t to your liking.
—Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 21 Oct. 2025
Larry Stansbury, Essence, 6 Oct. 2025
If trendy pastel yellow isn’t your preference, these sheets also come in several neutral and vibrant hues like sage and saffron.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pastel
Adjective
Giancarlo and Christian Guevara, twin brothers and co-owners of Dbakers Sweet Studio in Miami, have witnessed this same craze, selling hundreds of Key lime pies from their two pastel-perfect shops.
—Nila Do Simon, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
The Oura Ring 4 also now comes in ceramic options and pastel colors, if the original gold, rose gold, silver, bronze, and black weren’t to your liking.
—Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
Dunkley suggests pairing chocolate with oranges and creams in the fall, pastels in spring, neons in summer, and icy blues in winter.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 6 Oct. 2025
If trendy pastel yellow isn’t your preference, these sheets also come in several neutral and vibrant hues like sage and saffron.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pastel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pastel
Adjective
-
The heiress and entrepreneur has a princess moment in a romantic pale pink gown with floral appliqués and a matching cape.—
Brittany Talarico,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
-
These figures, while shocking, unfortunately pale in comparison to those from the recent war, now widely recognized as a genocide.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The King produced the watercolor when he was known as Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, and separated from Princess Diana.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Bring your own artwork and supplies (acrylic, oil, or watercolor) to work with Alex and fellow artists.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
By the years of the Great Depression, the clown came to represent the faded glory of the circus and reflected the weariness felt by so many Americans in crisis.—
Time,
Time,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Scherzinger’s only familiarity with the material was Billy Wilder’s 1950 film, which starred Gloria Swanson as a faded beauty of the silent era hell-bent on a return to relevance.—
Tatiana Siegel,
Variety,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Costco has 'aggressive timeline' for construction, Nelson said Stephen Cross, real estate development director for Costco, said detailed building drawings are currently being created.—
Erik S. Hanley,
jsonline.com,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Walls will be dotted with paintings, drawings and etchings that reflect the history and private collection of husband-and-wife founders Gérard and Danielle Darel.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
This year-round sneaker comes in a wide variety of colors, including this neutral blue denim, dark rose, black, red, green, light, blue, and more.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Per AccuWeather, experts also recommend that aura-watchers allow their eyes at least 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness and avoid looking at bright light sources, such as the moon or phone screens.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Made with gouache and pencil on paper, the work depicts a guitar and several everyday objects, including a bottle and a folded sheet of paper, arranged on a table in soft brown and gray tones.—
Dragana Jovanovic,
ABC News,
18 Oct. 2025
-
With an airbrush borrowed from his job at an ad agency, Man Ray would blast droplets of gouache onto board or heavy paper and use stencils to organize the spray.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Paints and Brushes You can regularly find acrylic or tempera paint in a variety of colors.—
Kathy Barnes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Sep. 2025
-
Munch made many different versions of the celebrated work, including one painting (tempera and oil on cardboard), one drawing (crayon on cardboard) and six lithographs.—
Jess Fleming,
Twin Cities,
3 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The throw is crafted with acrylic, but don’t be fooled by its price; the intricate, woven yarn resembles that of chenille, with a buttery-smooth texture that feels luxuriously soft to the touch.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Bring your own artwork and supplies (acrylic, oil, or watercolor) to work with Alex and fellow artists.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pastel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pastel. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share