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chiaroscuro

[kee-ahr-uh-skyoor-oh] / kiˌɑr əˈskyʊər oʊ /


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 intense chiaroscuro evokes the mysticism of William Blake.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

Like her day-to-day life, it is a work of chiaroscuro, a portrait of extremes: roses and guns.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 21, 2024

The dramatic scenes are shot in chiaroscuro and in warm, expressive light so the character is always the focal point of lighting and photography.

From Salon • Mar. 16, 2023

Thom Weaver’s lighting is the great technical asset, romantically moody in the early stages of Sandra and Luca’s relationship, then suggesting the ominous chiaroscuro of film noir when the plot thickens.

From New York Times • Nov. 20, 2022

What composers could impose instead of incremental change were more abrupt contrasts of loud and soft, like the juxtaposition of light and shade, chiaroscuro, in painting.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall