kaleidoscopic

American  

[kuh-lahy-duh-skop-ik] / kəˌlaɪ dəˈskɒp ɪk /

Also kaleidoscopical

adjective

1. of, relating to, or created by a kaleidoscope.

2. changing form, pattern, color, etc., in a manner suggesting a kaleidoscope.

3. continually shifting from one set of relations to another; rapidly changing.

   the kaleidoscopic events of the past year.

   Synonyms:

   variable, protean, changeable

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Other Word Forms

• kaleidoscopically adverb

Etymology

Origin of kaleidoscopic

First recorded in 1840–50; kaleidoscope + -ic

Example Sentences

As the light show unfolded, the lantern's blindingly bright facades concealed a flurry of activity behind, as teams of people turned large metal barrels called rotors by hand to produce a kaleidoscopic effect.

From Barron's

The album, which featured original compositions alongside kaleidoscopic covers of the genre, was hailed as an instant classic after its 2022 release.

From Los Angeles Times

“Reflection” is a highly playful exercise in its kaleidoscopic approach, though “kaleidoscopic” is about as useful as “surreal” in describing the film’s effect or philosophy.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I do that ‘Beautiful Mind’ thing where things float into place and I create something new,” Schlesinger said, referring to Nobel-prize winning mathematician John Nash’s kaleidoscopic approach.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Desplechin takes a quick-cutting, kaleidoscopic approach to this domestic epic, and evokes in richly melodramatic style the feeling of passing the holidays with extended family.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• motley
• psychedelic