embellishment

noun

em·​bel·​lish·​ment im-ˈbe-lish-mənt How to pronounce embellishment (audio)
Synonyms of embellishmentnext
1
: the act or process of embellishing
2
: something serving to embellish
3
: ornament sense 5

Synonyms of embellishment

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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
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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.
With what seems like little embellishment to real locations (including a genuine culture of female-only caddies sporting bright colors), the movie captures a languid, top-down strangeness. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Fabrics include Mikado, organza, lace, tulle and charmeuse, while embellishments run the gamut from beading and feathers to fringe, sequins and metals. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026 For that event, Hailey wore a black column dress with jeweled and beaded embellishments on the sweetheart bodice. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 The suede shoes feature gothic leather cross embellishments and bedazzled detailing along the ankles. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embellishment

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embellishment was in 1591

Browse Nearby Words

embellisher
embellishment
ember
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Cite this Entry

“Embellishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embellishment. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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