as in iridescent
having a rainbowlike play of colors once given away as a cheap prize at carnivals, this opalescent glass is now highly prized by collectors

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 opalescent The majestic stillness of the full beaver moon, hovering pink and opalescent in the horizon. Jennifer Hope Choi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025 The Ellipse required 90 cm of gold wire shaped by hand and 20 shades of opaque and opalescent enamel, while the table clock used over 16 m of gold wire in three different widths and 45 shades of mainly translucent enamel mixed with some semi-translucent or opaque versions of the material. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 24 Mar. 2025 Nor could anyone ever be a better pal to Leslie than Ann, opalescent tree shark. Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2025 Both are members of the botanical family Violaceae. 07 of 10 ‘Gem Apricot Antique’ Viola In addition to their soft, romantic colors, 'Gem Apricot Antique' petals also feature an opalescent cast and violet veining. Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for opalescent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opalescent
Adjective
  • Its two main internal racket compartments feature an iridescent Thermoguard lining, offering excellent protection against extreme temperatures to keep your rackets and strings protected.
    Will Porter, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
  • And the open drains at the edge of the pavement, their entropic scent and the terror of falling into the stream of iridescent green slurry that ran through them.
    Ekow Eshun July 11, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Tiffany has a long-standing history with pearls, both nacreous—from oysters and mollusks—and non-nacreous, like Melo Melo pearls.
    Stellene Volandes, Town & Country, 20 Feb. 2021
  • Unfortunately, nacreous clouds also support chemical reactions that convert benign chlorine-containing molecules into a form that destroys Earth’s ozone layer.
    Rebecca Coffey, Discover Magazine, 29 Jan. 2012
Adjective
  • Not to mention, the pastry pink shade is perfect for bright, colorful summer outfits.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 July 2025
  • This Superman brings back the colorful visuals, the humor, the clever quips in the midst of battle, the lightheartedness of the vintage comics.
    Scott Phillips, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The double-sided stick—one metallic and the other foil—is attached by a magnetic base to mix-and-match pearlescent, sheer foils with full coverage, dimensional metallics.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 11 July 2025
  • One of the style’s most contentious points among purists is its pearlescent finish, which has shifted to varying shades over the shoe’s many reissues.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Opalescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opalescent. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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