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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.

Pine nuts go in next, toasted until they’re pale gold and rich, adding a quiet, nutty depth.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

Lajos is born with skin so pale it is almost transparent, and while Mr. Biedermann soon ceases to mention the abnormality, it introduces Lajos’s uncanny lifelong sensation of invisibility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Cholla gardens and brittlebush rise from pale alluvial slopes, and a seasonal stream leads to one of California’s few native fan palm oases.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Her eyes were just as bright, and her pale skin had a rosy blush on her cheekbones.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova

Vocabulary lists containing pale

"What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" Vocabulary from the speech

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" by Frederick Douglass

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"A Universe of Stars"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!