pales

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.

The recent flurry of activity pales in comparison to what unions were accomplishing in their 1950s heyday and the decades following.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Matthew Murphy, representing Stewart Jones, said his client had showed "genuine, wholehearted remorse" but his financial gain "pales in comparison".

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

And yet, all that pales in comparison to what he has been forced to endure while his mother, Janet, twice battled cancer, affecting everyone emotionally and financially.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

However, this all pales in comparison to prime-aged fathers who have participation rates that frequently approach and surpass 95%, irrespective of their child’s age.

From Salon • May 10, 2026

When he sees the black veil and pocked skin, his face pales.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly