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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.

Near-term threats pale in comparison to a U.S. economy that has weathered crisis after crisis in recent years, often with help from Washington.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Louis said: "She was very pale, very cold, shivering, barely clinging on to the board."

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

Glover could feel the love emanating from our pale blue dot, defying distance.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

I brush past all of them until I emerge into the pale sunlight, gasping for breath, angry with myself for what I did to Theo, knowing that I needed to do it for myself.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

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!