DRESS-UP Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

dress up

verb

Definition of dress up

as in to dress

to put on one's best or formal clothes we always like to dress up when going to parties

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to disguise

to change the dress or looks of so as to conceal true identity the war was a fiasco that the administration tried to dress up as a triumph

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to candy

to make more desirable dressed up the house with new windows and a paint job before putting it on the market

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to clothe

to outfit with clothes and especially fine or special clothes the girls were dressed up in skirts or dresses, but the boys were wearing jeans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 dress up The Clintons were such big fans, then First Lady Hillary Clinton even dressed up as Dolly for her birthday. — NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026 Get one for the older kid or young teen who likes to dress up their backpack for school. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Anna had brown fur and was dressed up for the occasion with a pink and white flower and lace lei around her neck. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 The Burger Barn dresses up its patties with heaping stacks of pastrami, though the classic cheeseburger is also a crowd-pleaser. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dress up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dress up

Verb

At this point, the two begin (deep sigh) performing lines from Romeo and Juliet while dressed as the title characters.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
He was also dressed as his idol, a true-to-life cosplay that his father, Steve, said he's done for three consecutive Halloweens.

— Brian Bull, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of dress

Verb

As a way to get around the law, speakeasies were disguised as other business, such as bookstores, Bao said.

— Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026
John is then abducted by a group led by an alien named Antaan, who tells him about the Manhunters—ancient synthetic predecessors to the Green Lantern Corps capable of disguising themselves as other species.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of disguise

Verb

Fall menu items are currently available and include a campfire mocha, candied pecan cold brew, caramel apple matcha, boo-berry latte, cherry garcia and salted maple latte.

— Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Aug. 2026
In a large serving bowl, combine the strawberries, spinach, arugula, goat cheese, and candied pecans.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of candy

Verb

Hanging out was one thing, but the group also wanted to doll up the Potter franchise’s Ron Weasley.

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Aug. 2026
And Millie Bobby Brown echoed a similar sentiment on her story, sharing Hottle's memorable shot holding a handmade King Kong doll up to the giant ape.

— Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Definition of doll up

Verb

Replace Judgment With Curiosity Many neurodivergent employees mask their traits to blend in, which leads to burnout and exhaustion.

— Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Always bury the rotten fruit in the center of your compost pile to help mask the smell and deter unwanted animals.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of mask

Verb

If your outdoor space has been looking a little tired from the summer sun and storms, consider this your sign to spruce things up before the next season is in full swing.

— Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2026
Prince Harry even spruced the place up to Meghan’s liking while the couple was dating, per People, and proposed to her in the walled garden outside of the cottage in 2017.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 20 June 2026

Definition of spruce

Browse Nearby Words

dress rehearsals

dress up

dressy

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Dress up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dress%20up. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of dress up

verb

Example Sentences

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