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

Following a formal welcome at the Royal Pavilion, the Princess of Wales donned the headpiece and paired it with a custom Jenny Packham ivory gown, which featured structured cape sleeves and metallic embellishments. — Emma Banks, InStyle, 13 Aug. 2026

His father was a distinguished public radio broadcaster, and so Ruben knew how to deliver breaking news without sensationalism or embellishment. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

Moreover, if the item in question has embellishments or beading, finding someone qualified to properly repair the item can be difficult or time-consuming. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026

The ankle-length silhouette had a pointed collar and a button-down front, with small clusters of gold-toned and clear embellishments scattered throughout. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 30 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1