colorants

Definition of colorantsnext
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

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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 colorants 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 Every Rae product remains vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from harmful fillers, colorants, and artificial preservatives. Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 16 Dec. 2025 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
  • The shampoo uses highly concentrated violet pigments (which give it that signature purple hue) to neutralize yellow tones on contact.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In simpler terms, this lobster carries two distinct sets of genetic instructions — one set controlling the color pigments on one side of its shell, the other controlling the opposite side.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • With their eco-friendly design that’s free from toxic glues, dyes, and microplastics, shoppers love that these cutting boards are food-safe and durable enough to last for years.
    Caley Sturgill, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The preview highlighted natural dyes made from food waste, the cochineal cactus, and bacteria found along the Amazon River in Brazil.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The early read was that Alphabet , Microsoft , Meta Platforms , and Amazon all passed with flying colors, but beneath the strong headline numbers, a more nuanced debate is taking shape.
    Paulina Likos,Zev Fima, CNBC, 1 May 2026
  • Designed by the label’s then creative director, Olivier Rousteing, the unorthodox gown was sculpted based on a cast of Tyla’s body, then created out of three different colors of sand mixed with micro-crystal studs, providing extra sparkle down to the tip of her mermaid train.
    Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Colorants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colorants. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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