as in rhetorical
full of fine words and fancy expressions
an overwritten novel with far too many purple patches
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Recent Examples of purple
Heavy sunflowers weeping over fences; iris curling and browning at the edges far away from their purple hearts; ears of corn letting their auburn hair wind down to their stalks.
—
Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
In a selfie video, Klum styled her signature long blonde hair in an effortless blowout with face-framing curtain bangs, showing off an iridescent high-octane blue and purple eyeshadow look.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026
In Louisiana’s most populous city, which is world-famous for its Mardi Gras bash, people donned green, gold and purple outfits, with some opting for an abundance of sequins and others showing off homemade costumes.
—Sara Cline, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
This gorgeous 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon is ruby red in the glass with aromas of Bing cherry, black raspberry, boysenberry, purple flowers, and cedar chest.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for purple
Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
In a selfie video, Klum styled her signature long blonde hair in an effortless blowout with face-framing curtain bangs, showing off an iridescent high-octane blue and purple eyeshadow look.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026
In Louisiana’s most populous city, which is world-famous for its Mardi Gras bash, people donned green, gold and purple outfits, with some opting for an abundance of sequins and others showing off homemade costumes.
—Sara Cline, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
This gorgeous 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon is ruby red in the glass with aromas of Bing cherry, black raspberry, boysenberry, purple flowers, and cedar chest.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for purple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purple
Adjective
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In each case, economic performance risks becoming a rhetorical shield — one that deflects scrutiny from actions that undermine democratic norms and constitutional principles.—
Kenneth Zagacki,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
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In that spirit, the presidency — despite policy detours, rhetorical bucking and social-media stampedes — remains a powerful instrument of national motion.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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No rote midcentury-modern furniture here, nor the ornate colonial opulence that seems to be a default in many of Peru's more traditional five-stars.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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This includes the black-and-white Courtly Check, pale-pink Rosy Check, ornate Butterfly Toile, springtime-evoking Wildflowers, and Butterfly Hill.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purple. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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