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Synonyms

roseate

American  
[roh-zee-it, -eyt] / ˈroʊ zi ɪt, -ˌeɪt /

adjective

  1. tinged with rose; rosy.

    a roseate dawn.

  2. bright or promising.

    a roseate future.

  3. incautiously optimistic.

    a roseate forecast for holiday sales.


roseate British  
/ ˈrəʊzɪˌeɪt /

adjective

  1. of the colour rose or pink

  2. excessively or idealistically optimistic

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of roseate

1580–90; < Latin rose ( us ) rose-colored + -ate 1

Explanation

As its sound might suggest, roseate has to do with "rosy." Anything that's roseate is rose colored or pinkish. It's often used in the term "roseate glow," typically to describe a sunset. Ever heard of the phrase "seeing life through rose tinted glasses," meaning seeing life way too optimistically and unrealistically? Well, roseate can have that sense as well. If you're painting "too roseate" a picture of what college is like to your parents, you're either deliberately or unintentionally giving them a picture that's a bit too good to be true.

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Vocabulary lists containing roseate

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 Franco-Belgian couturier referenced the extravagant plumage of a roseate spoonbill or the crested cockatoo alongside the humble crow, grey pigeon and magpie.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

Since bird flu was confirmed in June, black-headed gulls, common terns and rare roseate terns have been worst hit.

From BBC • Aug. 3, 2023

The last time a roseate spoonbill was seen in Wisconsin was in 1845, and that bird was dead.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 3, 2023

You will see dolphins, terns, maybe even a roseate spoonbill.

From Salon • Feb. 1, 2023

Sparrow flushed at this, a roseate warmth creeping into the blue of her cheeks and giving them a violet cast.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

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