Opaline
What it means
Beautifully iridescent or milky like an opal.
Reach for it when describing something with the milky color or gentle iridescence of opal
Opaline tiles brightened the small fountain at the courtyard entrance.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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everyday
milky
Fits when soft cloudy whiteness is the visible quality
Careful Milky omits iridescent color.
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everyday
opal-like
Fits when a transparent direct comparison is preferred
Careful The phrase is descriptive rather than elegant.
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warm
pearly
Fits when a soft nacre-like luster is intended
Careful Pearl and opal have different optical effects.
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professional
Fits when viewing angle changes visible color
Careful Iridescence may be vivid and metallic.
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formal
nacreous
Fits when mother-of-pearl resemblance needs precision
Careful Nacreous is not an exact match for opal.
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literary
Fits when shifting opal-like play of color is central
Careful Opaline can also mean milky without strong color play.
Opposites 3
- dull
- clear
- matte
Common phrases 3
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opaline glass
Opaline glass softened the lamp's evening glow.
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opaline tiles
Opaline tiles brightened the shaded courtyard fountain.
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pale opaline
A pale opaline bead finished the silver clasp.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Opaline overlaps with opalescent but often emphasizes milky opal color rather than a shifting play of colors.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated