pearlescent

adjective

ˌpər-ˈle-sᵊnt How to pronounce pearlescent (audio)
Definition of pearlescentnext
as in iridescent
having a rainbowlike play of colors the sedan comes in an array of colors, with either a metallic or pearlescent finish

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 pearlescent To my right was a picture of a pearlescent orb floating on a blank field. — Jonathan Odden, Artforum, 2 June 2026 Crafted by her A-list artist Zola Ganzorigt, her rounded talons were dressed in a pearlescent baby pink polish and finished with rhinestone tips. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 2 June 2026 Tiny, pearlescent buttons add an elegant touch and can be worn in the front or the back to maximize outfit versatility. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026 The Montreal producer’s pearlescent new album renders heartbreak and obsession in patient waves of ambient, dub techno, and progressive house. — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pearlescent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pearlescent
  1. iridescent
  2. opalescent
  3. colorful
  4. nacreous
Adjective
  • The full-length, iridescent green coat that Algernon wears in the opening scene would make Wilde especially proud.
    — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • Makeup artist Ernesto Casillas used an iridescent purple eyeshadow all over her lids.
    — Mykenna Maniece, Vogue, 22 June 2026
Definition of iridescent
Adjective
  • On the lagoon, villas open out onto sweeping wooden decks with opalescent plunge pools, cabanas, floor hammocks that hover over the sea as well as steps that lead right into it.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • Look to opalescent chrome powders, which can shift from pink to blue to green and give a milky white manicure underneath some unexpected pizzazz.
    — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 23 May 2026
Definition of opalescent
Adjective
  • That colorful flipbook of adlibs in her back pocket makes the experience even better.
    — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026
  • Admire colorful blooms at the Lotus and Water Lily Festival, enjoy art at the Smithsonian Castle after-hours, or watch the World Cup final.
    — Fritz Hahn, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
Definition of colorful
Adjective
  • Quahogs produce non-nacreous, porcelainlike pearls, according to the Gemological Institute of America.
    — Shannon Marvel McNaught, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2022
  • Markov processes include an element of randomness—in this case, the thickness of the outermost nacreous layer—but one that can be influenced by the system’s history.
    — Leila Sloman, Popular Mechanics, 28 Feb. 2022
Definition of nacreous

Browse Nearby Words

pearled
pearlescent
pearling
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Cite this Entry

“Pearlescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pearlescent. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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