shades 1 of 2

plural of shade
1
as in colors
a property that becomes apparent when light falls on an object and by which things that are identical in form can be distinguished a lovely shade of blue

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2
3

shades

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of shade
as in shadows
to shelter (something) from light and heat the trees shaded us quite nicely from the noonday sun

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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 shades
Noun
Viewers can ask questions about shades, ingredients, or application in real time, increasing confidence and conversion rates. Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 This season’s standout shades strike the perfect balance between polished and effortless, enhancing your natural features with radiant shine, soft dimension, and rich, lived-in color. Amanda Le, InStyle, 29 July 2026 Our customer moves from soft, easy tones into deeper jewel shades and warm cocoa browns, colors that feel luxe but still wear every day. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 29 July 2026 Very dark hair shades will most likely need bleach to go drastically lighter, so for any questions on how to safely lighten your hair, be sure to consult your go-to stylist. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 28 July 2026 When using shades as your first layer, consider a similar light filtration level. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 28 July 2026 The colors are more muted than last year's bright shades, which Samsung says is in response to customer feedback. Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026 The sheer variety of blues coming out of Switzerland has exploded in recent years, with advancements in dial manufacturing unlocking even more shades. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 July 2026
Verb
Gabriel and Haaland are key men for their countries, too; whoever shades their personal duel will have a great chance of finishing on the winning team. Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026 The thick debris mantle shades the ice, keeping it colder, similar to how ski areas have started covering their slopes with reflective blankets in summer to stave off melting. Ashlesha Khatiwada, The Conversation, 1 July 2026 Morning sun is best, so keep these flowers on a porch that shades them from afternoon sun or provides dappled light. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 Nieusma notes that calendula grows low to the ground, forming a ground cover that shades the soil and suppresses weeds. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 26 June 2026 The side has an awning held up by support bars, which shades the front doorway and mesh window. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026 Pulling the focal point to the base of the nails, this manicure shades over the cuticle border with metallic blue half-moons. Sunnah Rasheed, InStyle, 25 May 2026 So that's the thing that keeps us cooler, shades us. March 9, CBS News, 9 Mar. 2026 Basil shades the ground around tomatoes, conserving soil moisture. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 27 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shades
Noun
  • Between the endless array of nail shapes, colors, and designs, a manicure is one of the easiest ways to refresh your look.
    Alexis Berger, InStyle, 25 July 2026
  • There are also vibrant multicolor prints paired with bold, solid colors, like a pair of colorful shorts matched to a pink button-down shirt with a subtle, decorative pocket.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • Thoughtful splashes of color are fine tuned throughout the space, like sunny yellow cabinetry livening up the kitchen and window sills sporting a punchy shade of green.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2026
  • Four-poster beds and traditional wicker and mahogany interiors preserve the building’s original beauty, while splashes of color in the artwork and brightly hued soft furnishings add character.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • The spirits Gu-cheon interacts with throughout the series were invisible on set.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Fatty Arbuckle’s Pub, established in 2003, is home to over 200 different whiskeys and fine spirits.
    USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • While darker colors remained visible, they could be mistaken for dirt, debris, or shadows underwater.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 1 May 2026
  • My driver slowed on purpose, timing the arrival for that late-afternoon light when the stucco warms and shadows sharpen.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Those aspects are shown in the spa’s stucco and Venetian terrazzo, soft, neutral hues, and more; though there’s plenty Dior elements, too, with its fragrances on display and other soft touches.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 27 July 2026
  • While many of us want to make our kitchen feel bright and airy, highlighter hues aren’t the best route for doing so.
    Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • Six months later, there was hope of reconciliation as sovereignty talks opened between the governments over the specks in the ocean that had been part of the British Empire for more than a century.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2026
  • Bellinger, once a babyface, now sports some light specks of gray.
    Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • That is, until miraculous apparitions turn it into a place to be.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • Today, the massive complex attracts paranormal investigators who report apparitions, voices, and other unexplained phenomena.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Boise police will work with counsel and prosecutors to make sure enforcement is consistent, with the law and also protects people’s rights, spokesperson Haley Williams said.
    Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2026
  • The administration’s proposal risks harming both the historic building and the system of reviews that protects structures like it.
    Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 24 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Shades.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shades. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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