cos·met·ic
käz-ˈme-tik 
1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion : beautifying
cosmetic salves
2
: done or made for the sake of appearance: such as
a
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
b
c
: not substantive : superficial
cosmetic changes
3
: visually appealing
: something that is cosmetic: such as
a
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
b
cosmetics plural
: superficial features
a poem without rhetorical cosmetics—
Guy Davenport
Guy DavenportSynonyms
Examples of cosmetic in a Sentence
Adjective
Almond oil is sometimes used in cosmetic products.
medical procedures that are done for cosmetic purposes
The changes were purely cosmetic.
Noun
Use a cosmetic to hide the scar.
Recent Examples on the WebAngelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 17 July 2024
For example, malic acid can add flavor to food, be an exfoliating ingredient in cosmetic products, and offer some medicinal benefits when combined with other supplements.2
In addition to being found in whole foods, malic acid is available as a supplement.
—Mary Choy, Health, 14 July 2024
Mckenzie Beard, Washington Post, 15 July 2024
Products like clothing, shoes and cosmetics that were marked down with deep discounts have sold out in prior years, Ruvio points out.
—Nerdwallet, The Mercury News, 12 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for cosmetic 
Adjective
Leaving as much healthy tissue behind to reduce scarring and improve cosmetic outcomes.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 17 July 2024
For example, malic acid can add flavor to food, be an exfoliating ingredient in cosmetic products, and offer some medicinal benefits when combined with other supplements.2
In addition to being found in whole foods, malic acid is available as a supplement.
—Mary Choy, Health, 14 July 2024
Noun
There are also chemicals in some dyes, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals that degrade into TFA, said Katie Pelch, an environmental health scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, an advocacy group.
—Mckenzie Beard, Washington Post, 15 July 2024
Products like clothing, shoes and cosmetics that were marked down with deep discounts have sold out in prior years, Ruvio points out.
—Nerdwallet, The Mercury News, 12 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for cosmetic
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cosmetic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cosmetic
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cosmetic
1 of 2 noun
cos·met·ic
käz-ˈmet-ik
: a preparation (as a cream, lotion, or powder) used to improve a person's appearance
cosmetic
2 of 2 adjective
: intended to improve a person's appearance
Medical Definition
cosmetic
1 of 2 noun
cos·met·ic
käz-ˈmet-ik
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
cosmetic
2 of 2 adjective1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion
cosmetic salves
2
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
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