embellishment

noun

em·​bel·​lish·​ment im-ˈbe-lish-mənt 

1

: the act or process of embellishing

2

: something serving to embellish

3

: ornament sense 5

Synonyms of embellishment

• ornamentation
• ornament
• decoration
• adornment

Examples of embellishment in a Sentence

a colorful mobile is just the embellishment that the soon-to-be nursery needs

the actor's penchant for embellishment suggests that his memoirs would be more appropriately shelved in the fiction section

Recent Examples on the Web

Twenty years later, in the 2026 playoffs, Crosby’s embellishment of a Garnet Hathaway high stick in a game in Philadelphia was one of the more memorable moments of that series. — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 25 July 2026

For instance, brands can opt for 100 percent polyester textiles and pair it with embellishments such as prints that are also polyester or woven into the garment rather than applied, reducing variety in components. — Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

The neckline featured sculptural, jewel-like metal embellishments. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 17 July 2026

The plunging Elie Saab halter dress notably featured a large, ruffled flower embellishment along the waist that beautifully complemented her wavy pixie cut. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1