colorants

plural of colorant
as in pigments
a substance used to color other materials in ancient times, a mollusk was used to produce a rich purple colorant for clothing and linens

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 colorants Updates across the lists include new restrictions on flame retardants and colorants, new or tightened limits on some chemicals and metals, and new substance limits for jewelry. Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026 There was a push to use American dyes and colorants to stave off a deep economic recession—there wasn’t really any other choice—but the cold commercial reality dumped water all over that flag-waving parade. Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026 But that other supplier would have to try to reverse engineer that particular dye — formulas for dyes and colorants were, in spite of being in service to the war effort, still proprietary — and backward engineering color from a finished product is a crapshoot. Kory Stamper, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026 Founded in Brazil by Ailton Pereira, the process converts agro-industrial waste into textile colorants designed to reduce reliance on petrochemical dyes. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2026 Twenty-six other states have followed in California’s footsteps with legislation — some signed into law, others still in progress — that would either ban, restrict or require labels for artificial colorants. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026 But the replacements are still made of complex materials that include additives like colorants; the chemicals can react in ways the companies may not intend or understand, Boucher says. Matt Fuchs, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colorants
Noun
  • Simply use a cleansing balm or micellar water makeup remover that dissolves the pigments and film-forming agents that make the eyeshadow waterproof and long-lasting.
    Laura Sandroni, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike other pigments, structural colors maintain their vibrancy while also remaining incredibly durable.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • This means turning to the internet to learn about red dyes, additives, food as medicine, essential oils, and when to apply a garlic poultice to the bottom of your feet.
    Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The Minneapolis company has shifted to fruit- and vegetable-based dyes as well as colors derived from spices like turmeric and paprika to give its cereals their customary bright colors.
    Dee-Ann Durbin, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Available in 12 colors, these jeans pack a ton of versatility.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The brand’s Speedcat Ballet Mules arrived earlier this season and, immediately, colors started selling out.
    Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Colorants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colorants. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster