DYES Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

dyes 1 of 2

noun

plural of dye

as in pigments

a substance used to color other materials soaked the fabric in blue dye

Synonyms & Similar Words

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dyes

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of dye

as in paints

to give color or a different color to dyed her hair a startling red

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of dyes

Noun

This means turning to the internet to learn about red dyes, additives, food as medicine, essential oils, and when to apply a garlic poultice to the bottom of your feet. — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 The Minneapolis company has shifted to fruit- and vegetable-based dyes as well as colors derived from spices like turmeric and paprika to give its cereals their customary bright colors. — Dee-Ann Durbin, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Green can come from leafy foods or green dyes, or from food passing too quickly for bile to break down. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 Decisions about fibers, dyes, finishes and fabric construction made during production can determine whether a garment can be efficiently sorted and recycled years later. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 Some studies have linked certain artificial dyes to behavioral changes in children as well as to cancer in animals. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 Dealing with dyes The push to remove certain artificial dyes from food and drugs, for example, was a headline grabber. — Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Mauveine would become one of the world’s first commercially successful and mass-produced dyes. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Aug. 2026 The announcement follows recent measures taken by Mars to eliminate artificial dyes from its candies. — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2026

Verb

As fans of the book may recall, Sloane dyes her hair to match her employer—no wonder Lohan and Woodley look like blonde twins! — Meg Walters, InStyle, 13 June 2026 This information is conveyed by a hilariously avant-garde Poulter, playing the store’s manager, who dyes his hair to match each monochromatic scheme and hides his nefariousness behind a company policy that requires techno music to be played at maximum volume at all times. — Jada Yuan, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026 Colored smoke, such as the green plumes, are typically only colorful due to a chemical that dyes the smoke and is not considered more dangerous. — Minneapolis Star Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026 Its distinctive crackle is owed to its blend of white and black glutinous rice, whose runoff color dyes the former lavender. — Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 14 May 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dyes

Noun

Simply use a cleansing balm or micellar water makeup remover that dissolves the pigments and film-forming agents that make the eyeshadow waterproof and long-lasting.

— Laura Sandroni, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
Unlike other pigments, structural colors maintain their vibrancy while also remaining incredibly durable.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of pigments

Verb

The self-tan wipes are easy to apply and contain exfoliating acids that smooth the skin, plus encapsulated DHA (the ingredient that stains the skin) to leave behind a radiant tan.

— Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2026
Homemade plum compote stains the filling with a vibrant red ribbon.

— Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of stains

Noun

Updates across the lists include new restrictions on flame retardants and colorants, new or tightened limits on some chemicals and metals, and new substance limits for jewelry.

— Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026
There was a push to use American dyes and colorants to stave off a deep economic recession—there wasn’t really any other choice—but the cold commercial reality dumped water all over that flag-waving parade.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026

Definition of colorants

Verb

Turmeric tints the cream an almost glowing gold, and a heap of sharp white cheddar melts straight into the mix, giving it both body and tang.

— The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
Anyone who tints or colors their hair knows all about this.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2025

Definition of tints

Noun

Shen wondered whether there was a random model that could produce clique-free colorings more efficiently than Erdős’ approach.

— Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 26 June 2026
Its nostalgic pink look is certainly a throwback to streetside cotton candy machines, but this time, the shade comes entirely from vegetable colorings and turmeric, rather than artificial colors.

— Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2026

Definition of colorings

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dyeing

dyes

dyestuff

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“Dyes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dyes. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of dyes

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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