decorative
adjective
dec·o·ra·tive
ˈde-k(ə-)rə-tiv 
ˈde-kə-ˌrā-
: serving to decorate
especially
: purely ornamental
decoratively
adverb
decorativeness
noun
Examples of decorative in a Sentence
We added some decorative details to the room.
The handles are decorative and practical.
Recent Examples on the Web
Choose from five decorative colors, including a lush Gray Flannel, Rich Merlot, and trendy chocolate brown (and don’t forget to snag one for yourself, too).
—
Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2025
From home essentials, to handsome decorative details, and unexpected treats, here's what our editors love to shop from HomeGoods.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2025
With one or two exceptions, Wicks’s parishioners feel little more than decorative; there’s no real sense of suspicion mounting and falling on each one of them in turn.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2025
The 9,000-square-foot, two-floor BlueHouse is an ode to the Big Apple’s Art Deco design scheme, complete with decorative molding, brass accents, and, of course, touches of blue throughout.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decorative
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Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2025
From home essentials, to handsome decorative details, and unexpected treats, here's what our editors love to shop from HomeGoods.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2025
With one or two exceptions, Wicks’s parishioners feel little more than decorative; there’s no real sense of suspicion mounting and falling on each one of them in turn.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2025
The 9,000-square-foot, two-floor BlueHouse is an ode to the Big Apple’s Art Deco design scheme, complete with decorative molding, brass accents, and, of course, touches of blue throughout.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decorative
Cite this Entry
“Decorative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decorative. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
decorative
adjective
dec·o·ra·tive
ˈdek-(ə-)rət-iv
ˈdek-ə-ˌrāt-
: serving to decorate : ornamental
decoratively
adverb
decorativeness
noun
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