Synonyms for

Pale

Verb / peɪl / Another word for pale — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

having a light or washed-out color; lacking intensity or brightness; feeble or weak

Synonyms & similar words

pallid blench wan picket blanch sick colorless pasty wan ashen bleached blanched faint feeble sickly dim dull pallid weak anemic bloodless drained ghastly haggard livid washed-out

Synonyms by register

Formal

faint wan ashen pallid

Informal

washed out light washed-out

Literary

wan ghastly ethereal

Antonyms

vivid bright strong bold dark intense radiant

Common collocations

  • pale skin
  • pale blue
  • pale imitation
  • pale face
  • pale light
  • pale green
  • pale complexion

Word family

noun paleness
adjective pale
adverb palely

Usage note

Often used to describe skin color, light, or intensity. 'Pale imitation' is a common idiom meaning a poor copy.

Example sentences

  1. Her face turned pale when she heard the bad news.
  2. The pale blue sky looked beautiful at sunset.
  3. He looked pale and sickly after the long hike.
  4. The pale yellow walls made the room feel brighter.
  5. The pale light of dawn slowly crept across the sky.

Quotes

  • She looked as fragile as a snowdrop, and as pale.
  • The palest ink is better than the best memory.
  • Her pale skin and hair made her look almost translucent.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words