as in glitter
something attractive but lacking in substance a book that examines popular fame and finds it to be very disposable tinsel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 tinsel Then, as the 2000s rolled around, foil highlights, feathers and tinsel made these whimsical hair accents more mainstream. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 30 June 2025 Rather than addressing the fundamental issues at play in the top two tiers, the spangle and tinsel come first. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 13 May 2025 The steel-blue walls are draped with tinsel, adorned with red curtains. Shauna Lyon, New Yorker, 9 May 2025 In one, a Christmas tree decorated with tinsel and bulbs stands in the Oval Room on the presidential mansion’s second floor. Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tinsel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tinsel
Noun
  • For readers wanting to try it, De Los Santos recommends starting with a clean manicure, applying one coat of gold polish, then finishing with two coats of glitter for maximum impact.
    Essence, Essence, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Dakota Johnson opted for the season’s most naked dress so far by Gucci, while Demi Moore also chose Gucci for full gothic glitter glam.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • What would a carnival be without corn dogs, cotton candy, rides and bingo?
    Debby Rice, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Today, Sweeney is on the hunt for McIntosh apples and cotton candy grapes, neither of which are in stock.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tinsel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tinsel. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tinsel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!