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
The same ban is also imposed for cosmetic products, paper and cardboard food containers. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 Afsaneh Salari’s Tehran, Under the Skin enters Tehran’s cosmetic clinics to explore the pressures behind Iran’s widespread culture of cosmetic surgery in pursuit of physical perfection, in a conservative society that seeks to control women’s beauty. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Oct. 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 oversize everyday bag continues to dominate, particularly in supple suede finishes, while mini and micro bags remain relevant through playful interpretations featuring embroidery, charms and decorative details.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Complete the transformation with fresh bedding, decorative pillows, or a cozy throw.
    — Ethan Stone October 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of decorative
Noun
  • Some artifacts found on the island indicate Earhart and Noonan’s plane may have landed there, including glass bottles from the 1930s and a woman’s makeup compact, the expedition said.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The results, along with details of the tumor's molecular and genetic makeup, will help doctors determine whether the pope needs additional treatment.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of makeup
Adjective
  • At The Aster, a boutique hotel and members club in Hollywood, guests can begin the day with classes in the reformer Pilates studio, where old-world dark wood and ornamental columns are paired with high-tech apparatus.
    — Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of ornamental
Noun
  • After a long night in the privacy of his room, Godwin impulsively painted over the wallpaper that covered the ceiling with a creamy white paint.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Magic were more balanced on offense, scoring 64 points in the paint and shooting 36% from 3-point range.
    — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of paint
Noun
  • Only five of the 151 white dwarfs within around 65 light-years of Earth have extraordinary coloring.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The kitten got her name from her coloring, which reminded Alex of cookies and brownies.
    — Ashley Paul, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of coloring

Browse Nearby Words

cosigns
cosmetic
cosmetic case
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cosmetic. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cosmetic

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cosmetic

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