pastel 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of pastelnext
as in pale
lacking intensity of color a pastel blue to go with the pale pink walls

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pastel

2 of 2

noun

as in watercolor

Related Words

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 pastel
Adjective
Available in several pastel hues and patterns, these high-vamp canvas sneaks look ultracomfy and flattering. — Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026 The coast is peppered with grande dame hotels housed in former convents, centuries-old palaces, and pastel villas where everyone from Maria Callas and Coco Chanel to Liza Minnelli and Elizabeth Taylor have holed up. — Lane Nieset, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
While the pastel was trending earlier this year, it’s officially been overtaken by its more summery sister. — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 24 June 2026 Among pop-up bars, bandstands and opulent, 19th century spa buildings painted in sherbet pastels, the Karlovy Vary Intl. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pastel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pastel
  1. pale
  2. watercolor
  3. faded
  4. drawing
  5. light
  6. gouache
  7. tempera
  8. acrylic
Adjective
  • Rocha developed Parker’s dress from an existing show piece, reworking its hand-laced, unraveling ribbons in a pale ballet pink intended as a nod to pointe shoes.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Wide, pale pink, satin ribbons were threaded loosely throughout the dress, culminating in bows at the shoulders.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of pale
Noun
  • Another is a loose watercolor that resembles a Color Field painting, rather than the technique typically associated with Basquiat.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The artist complicates the photographs further by painting over them with ink and watercolor.
    — Erin Parish, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of watercolor
Adjective
  • This embroidered quilt is the epitome of fall style with its warm background and mix of leaves in faded brown and golden hues.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The quasi-patriotic palette got contemporary edge from faded lines running through the red and dark navy stripes, which shifted between vertical and horizontal directions.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of faded
Noun
  • Though some concept drawings were released by the company shortly after the project began in 2008, more recent renditions have been little more than hints showing the craft as an outline in the haze, with only the nose and cockpit showing clearly.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
  • None of them won Saturday’s Powerball jackpot, nudging that up to $467 million for Monday’s drawing, or Friday’s Mega Millions top prize, which will be $345 million on Tuesday.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of drawing
Adjective
  • Enjoy eggs cooked to order, fry-ups, or lighter continental fare under a glass roof, hanging plants, and basket pendant lights.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • This was followed last month by the Alphafly 4, a lighter, more energy-giving version of the brand’s marathon shoe.
    — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of light
Noun
  • Christie’s estimates the large, rare tempera and gouache painting of a festive, folkloric Russian scene, which Kandinsky made in Paris, will fetch over $30 million.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The tarot is a full 78-card deck, with each card an original work of art, usually a composite of gouache painting and collage/lithography.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
Definition of gouache
Noun
  • Christie’s estimates the large, rare tempera and gouache painting of a festive, folkloric Russian scene, which Kandinsky made in Paris, will fetch over $30 million.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • This will be followed by a final period in Florence to learn the technique and historical evolution of egg tempera, to acquire ancient handweaving skills and expand her knowledge of its applications in the ecclesiastic context.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Definition of tempera
Noun
  • The original studio canvas was painted in oil, but the curtain is painted in acrylic and water-based paint.
    — Jordan Riefe, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The acrylic, vertical files keep purses upright and prevent them from falling over.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of acrylic

Browse Nearby Words

pasted
pastel
pastels
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Cite this Entry

“Pastel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pastel. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pastel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pastel

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