cosmetic 1 of 2

adjective

käz-ˈme-tik How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
Definition of cosmeticnext
as in decorative
serving to add beauty changes in the original design of the building were purely cosmetic

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cosmetic

2 of 2

noun

as in makeup

Related Words

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 cosmetic
Adjective
Extreme makeovers via a team that included a personal trainer, therapist, dentist and multiple cosmetic surgeons. — Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026 Fans who pre-order the game will receive a special armor set, cosmetic appearance and in-game resource pack. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
Barneys in Naples will also carry fragrance, cosmetics, jewelry, children’s, ladies’ handbags and shoes. — David Moin, Footwear News, 11 June 2026 Between 2019 and 2024, Chinese color cosmetics and skincare brands in Southeast Asia reported compound annual growth rates of 70% and 115% respectively, according to data analytics firm Euromonitor. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cosmetic
  1. decorative
  2. makeup
  3. ornamental
  4. paint
  5. coloring
Adjective
  • The collection combines decorative and functional objects, with each piece designed around both its use and its story.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Set the scene The Pinch sits on King Street’s popular north-south artery of clothing shops, wine bars, palm trees, and decorative facades.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of decorative
Noun
  • The album comes as the makeup company ramps up its marketing spend, fueled in part by tariff refunds.
    — Catriona Marangi, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Insurance covered a reshoot involving Cruise’s makeup following the first test screening.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of makeup
Adjective
  • Lumbering wooden doors are pivoted open to reveal the breezy hotel lobby and create a view with layers of water, first the still ornamental pools, then the main central pool and finally the glowing Caribbean sea.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The Cherry Blossom Garden Club will host horticulturist Yvonne Savio for a talk on growing edible and ornamental plants during our cooler months.
    — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of ornamental
Noun
  • One canvas begins with an area of thin black paint that Foradas compared to Helen Frankenthaler.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • In recent years, protesters have torn down his statues and splattered others with red paint.
    — Peter C. Mancall, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of paint
Noun
  • The moniker came from the sneaker’s purple and red coloring, which was a close match for the colors used by the Toronto Raptors.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • There was a time when skincare did the treating and makeup did the covering and coloring.
    — Mickey Williams, Flow Space, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of coloring

Browse Nearby Words

cosigns
cosmetic
cosmetic case
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Cite this Entry

“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cosmetic. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cosmetic

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cosmetic

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