as in rhetorical
full of fine words and fancy expressions
an overwritten novel with far too many purple patches
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of purple
The Gold Lion product is sold in purple packaging.
—
Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
That purple circle is the American airlines jet they were supposed to be looking out for.
—Sharyn Alfonsi, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Even plants with dark red or purple undersides — indoor plants such as Calatheas and Marantas come to mind — thrive in environments with limited light.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026
During the national anthem Friday, the Iranian team honored the memory of the slain children by placing small pink and purple school backpacks in front of them.
—ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for purple
Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
That purple circle is the American airlines jet they were supposed to be looking out for.
—Sharyn Alfonsi, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Even plants with dark red or purple undersides — indoor plants such as Calatheas and Marantas come to mind — thrive in environments with limited light.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026
During the national anthem Friday, the Iranian team honored the memory of the slain children by placing small pink and purple school backpacks in front of them.
—ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for purple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purple
Adjective
-
In Cuba today, Marxist bromides serve as nothing more than rhetorical cover for corruption.—
Quico Toro,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
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Such rhetoric shifts focus away from the perpetrator and the broader failures that allow violent crime to persist.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
As for the ornate headwear, seersucker suits, and profusion of pastels that usually accompany this horse race, well, that’s your call.—
Devra Ferst,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
3 Apr. 2026
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Instead, think of the hyper-realistic ornate floral rugs your mom might’ve had sometime in the '90s or early 2000s.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purple. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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