1
as in dress
clothing chosen as appropriate for a specific situation
a tuxedo is the only acceptable costume for men attending a formal event
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in mask
clothing put on to hide one's true identity or imitate someone or something else
Halloween costumes that caricature some of the "celebrities" created by the media over the past year
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to dress
to outfit with clothes and especially fine or special clothes
the days when people, costumed in their Sunday best, would parade along the grand avenue on Easter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in costumey
Related Words
Dissimilar 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 costume
Entertainment Weekly,
22 June 2026
There is nothing more evocative of a pure Love Island experience than a heartbroken rage split in costume.
—
Kathleen Walsh,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
28 May 2026
Some of the episode’s interiors were built alongside the regular Widow’s Bay sets, so breaks for her –– while costumed in 18th century clothing –– were spent taking a breather on a city hall desk or lounging on a couch that would certainly be out of place in 1702.
—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
27 May 2026
ABC News,
10 May 2026
But four times the talent means four times the finery, which was costume designer Molly Rogers’ challenge.
—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for costume
Noun
Part museum, part database, the Archives contains everything from a 1978 memo about the first photograph of Microsoft employees, to early Xbox consoles, to costumes from the Halo TV series.
—
Entertainment Weekly,
22 June 2026
There is nothing more evocative of a pure Love Island experience than a heartbroken rage split in costume.
—
Kathleen Walsh,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
Verb
Cats is a ballroom-culture fantasia, stuffed to the brim with stunning displays of costuming artistry across two acts of musical-theater excess.
—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
28 May 2026
Some of the episode’s interiors were built alongside the regular Widow’s Bay sets, so breaks for her –– while costumed in 18th century clothing –– were spent taking a breather on a city hall desk or lounging on a couch that would certainly be out of place in 1702.
—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
27 May 2026
Adjective
The trio appeared to be dressed up for Halloween, with Louis wearing a costume cape and hat while Laila sat in Bullock's arms in a bright floral outfit.
—
ABC News,
10 May 2026
But four times the talent means four times the finery, which was costume designer Molly Rogers’ challenge.
—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for costume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costume
Noun
-
Footwear is really the only requirement to wear a caftan dress, so feel free to pull out your summertime hits like strappy sandals.
-
Keep a handful near your washing machine or drying rack for blouses, dresses, workout wear, or delicate pieces that should skip the dryer.
Noun
-
Virginia is set to ban law enforcement officers from wearing masks, allow certain criminal convictions to be sealed and strengthen tenant protections when new laws go into effect this week.
-
Police are looking for two additional suspects, both men spotted fleeing the scene of Purvis’ shooting wearing masks and hoodies.
Verb
-
When the bullhorn blared and the stretching ended, more than 80 Falcons players clad in red and white scattered in different directions.
-
Inside a historic church on Park Avenue, two dancers clothed in blue-and-pink brocade twirl up and down the aisles to a string-heavy soundtrack.
Adjective
-
The clothes were cute, though, if not a little costumey.
-
The white trim along the front buttons and sleeve hems gives it a vintage feel without being costumey.
Noun
-
The model’s attire was crafted with a delicate lace material and two unique botanical motifs.
-
The pair can be seen dressed in black, elegant attire with bright smiles on their faces.
Noun
-
The resident of the house answered the door, and was met by a man wearing a gray sweatshirt and jeans, with a camouflage mask or bandana covering his mouth.
-
Some of them wear face paint, camouflage uniforms, and ghillie suits — ducking in and out of foxholes cut into the ground.
Verb
-
The Florida native graduated from the University of Alabama with a dance degree in 2023, trading her cap and gown for a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader uniform after graduation.
-
Streep wore a printed jacket and trousers, while Gummer opted for a floor-length ivory column gown with abstract gold line details and accessorized with a pair of shades.
Adjective
-
And the square neckline lends this floaty silhouette just enough structure to pull it in a more dressy direction.
-
There are plenty of vacation moments that call for something dressier than sandals but far more comfortable than heels, and these raffia flats fit the bill perfectly.
Cite this Entry
“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costume. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
