cosmetic

adjective

cos·met·ic | \ käz-ˈme-tik

Definition of cosmetic

(Entry 1 of 2)

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 : decorative, ornamental

c : not substantive : superficial cosmetic changes

3 : visually appealing

cosmetic

noun

Definition of cosmetic (Entry 2 of 2)

: 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

Other Words from cosmetic Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about cosmetic

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Synonyms & Antonyms for cosmetic

Synonyms: Adjective

adorning, beautifying, decorative, embellishing, ornamental

Antonyms: Adjective

functional, utilitarian

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 Web: Adjective

But according to cosmetic chemist Stephen Alain Ko, powdered sunscreen is far from a new development. — Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, "What Is Powdered Sunscreen? Your Guide to the Trendy New Sun-Care Product," 8 Apr. 2019 The anti-wrinkle treatment, approved for cosmetic use in 2002, helped create an $8 billion-plus global market for beauty-enhancing drugs. — Jared S. Hopkins, WSJ, "Botox Rivals Create New Wrinkles for Allergan," 8 Apr. 2019 Her formulas incorporate the latest cosmetic technologies and are crafted with precision and care. — Teen Vogue, "Pat McGrath Lab’s Releases 17 New Bold Eyeshadows," 28 Mar. 2019 And that's where cosmetic dentists Dr. Michael Apa DDS and Dr. Victoria Veytsman DSS come in. — Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, "What to Consider Before Getting Veneers on Your Teeth," 28 Feb. 2019 Artists fear that modifications to the decree will be cosmetic and that its totalitarian spirit will prevail, said Abel Gónzalez, the Cuban curator who wrote the protest letter signed by 250 artists. — Santiago Pérez, WSJ, "‘Absolute Control’: Cuba Steps Up Artistic Censorship," 25 Dec. 2018 In other cases owners carried out repairs that were purely cosmetic — masking damage that is likely to be revealed in the next quake. — Fox News, "Damaged buildings, graft haunt Mexico City year after quake," 18 Sep. 2018 The popularity of marijuana’s non-psychoactive agent CBD has infused therapeutic and cosmetic markets and has also been approved as a treatment for pain relief, anxiety, and childhood epilepsy. — Jill Kiedaisch, Popular Mechanics, "Scientists Use Yeast to Produce Cannabinoids Affordably and Efficiently," 1 Mar. 2019 The targets of the California lawsuit are California Stem Cell Treatment Center and its proprietors, physicians Mark Berman, a cosmetic surgeon, and Elliott Lander, a surgeon and urologist. — Michael Hiltzik, latimes.com, "U.S. prosecutors sue to shut down clinics selling unproven stem cell treatments in California and Florida," 9 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

In fact, the ancient Egyptians reportedly used oils in cosmetics as early as 4500 B.C.E. — Jenn Sinrich, SELF, "What You Should Know Before Using a Trendy New Face Oil," 13 Mar. 2019 The fire that tore through a neighborhood here last month, killing around 70 people, began in an apartment block where chemicals for cosmetics were stored and nearly ignited the building’s basement warehouse of clothing dye. — Jon Emont, WSJ, "Fire Reveals Chemical Dangers in Garment Supply Chain," 8 Mar. 2019 On Sunday, Deadline reported that Netflix has announced Spencer will be playing Madam C.J. Walker in a new drama series based on the black cosmetics mogul's life. — Emily Wang, Teen Vogue, "Octavia Spencer Will Play Black Hair Care Mogul Madam C.J. Walker in a New Netflix Series," 30 July 2018 The 20-year-old is many things: a reality TV star, a social media personality, a cosmetics mogul and possibly a future billionaire. — Zoe Szathmary, Fox News, "Kylie Jenner's career highlights, from makeup mogul to Forbes cover girl," 19 July 2018 Leslie Osborne, former member of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, founded a cosmetics line with her teammates. — Anne Marie Chaker, WSJ, "Sneakers? Check. Mascara? Check. Makeup is the New Workout Gear," 22 Jan. 2019 With Kylie Jenner turning her cosmetics line into a billion dollar business and Kim Kardashian launching KKW Beauty, the love of face art is practically inherited via DNA, right? — Gianluca Russo, Teen Vogue, "North West Does Kim Kardashian's Makeup on Social Media," 24 Nov. 2018 Now, 15 years after its launch, the natural skin-care and cosmetics line has become a Danish It girl staple, thanks to its commitment to simplicity, purity, and science. — Zoe Ruffner, Vogue, "6 Danish Beauty Brands to Know, Just in Time for Copenhagen Fashion Week," 8 Aug. 2018 This marks the second time L’Oréal Paris has created a limited-edition color cosmetics line with a fashion designer. — Jennifer Weil | Wwd, latimes.com, "Isabel Marant and L’Oréal Paris team up on makeup line," 14 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cosmetic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.