Definitions

pale

[peyl] / peɪl /

ADJECTIVE

light in color or effect

Synonyms

STRONG

blanched bleached dim dull faded faint gray haggard pasty poor sallow sick thin wan white

WEAK

anemic ashen ashy bloodless cadaverous colorless deathlike doughy feeble ghastly inadequate ineffective ineffectual insubstantial livid lurid pallid sickly spectral unsubstantial washed-out waxen waxlike weak whitish

Antonyms

STRONG

bright clear colored colorful dark distinct flushed happy healthy heavy intelligent light smart strong

WEAK

glowing radiant

VERB

become, make lighter or weakened

Synonyms

STRONG

blanch decrease dim diminish dull fade faint lessen muddy tarnish whiten

WEAK

go white grow dull lose color lose luster

Antonyms

STRONG

brighten develop enlarge expand extend grow increase raise strengthen

WEAK

darken glow radiate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

American workers’ actual retirement savings pale in comparison to the $1.46 million goal.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Initial signs of frostbite can include numbness, pain, and skin appearing red or pale, according to the NHS.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

As cars roll by, the streetlamp casts a pale light across Barreto’s face.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

But conjure one in your mind’s eye and I suspect we’re seeing the same thing: slumped berries bleeding into pale yogurt.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

And then, finally, a few minutes more, the pale stone of switchboard headquarters.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse