embellishment

noun

em·​bel·​lish·​ment im-ˈbe-lish-mənt 

1

: the act or process of embellishing

2

: something serving to embellish

3

: ornament sense 5

Synonyms of embellishment

• ornamentation
• ornament
• decoration
• adornment

Examples of embellishment in a Sentence

a colorful mobile is just the embellishment that the soon-to-be nursery needs

the actor's penchant for embellishment suggests that his memoirs would be more appropriately shelved in the fiction section

Recent Examples on the Web

While the Spring/Summer 2027 denim trends seen on the Milan Fashion Week runway focused on early-2000s influences and embellishment, the street style outside the shows was notably more pared back. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

Elsewhere, the classic Belle Vivier appeared in denim—a first in RV history—jazzed up with precious embellishment, as demonstrated by an artisan who created one live on site. — Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026

The more exaggerated interpretations, with oversized collars that swallow the chin or heavy embellishment, are the ones most at risk of looking dated once the search curve bends. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Pat Bryant 's acting skills could put a blush on the faces of Neymar, Rivaldo and Arjen Robben, the most famous divers in World Cup soccer history due to their theatrical embellishments. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1