cosmetic

adjective

Save Word

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

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms & Antonyms for cosmetic

Synonyms: Adjective

Antonyms: Adjective

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 Hearing aids are considered by many health plans to be cosmetic, advocates said. — cleveland, "Despite less traffic, impaired-driving wrecks and fatalities up on Ohio highways: Capitol Letter," 8 Apr. 2021 However, choosing a frameless pair isn’t all cosmetic; there are some additional benefits. — Popular Science, "Best snowboard goggles: Stay protected on the slopes," 23 Feb. 2021 Lucille scares her family while recuperating from cosmetic surgery. — Denise Martin, Vulture, "Arrested Development’s Jessica Walter on 5 Classic Lucille Bluth GIFs," 25 Mar. 2021 For instance, a center geared for cosmetic surgery will have a large portion of payments from the patient’s own pocket. — Shakeel Ahmed, Forbes, "How To Work Your Way Into An Already-Established Medical Market," 18 Mar. 2021 By the time silicone was reapproved by the FDA in the mid-2000s, breast augmentation had become the most popular cosmetic surgery in the United States. — Paige Stables, Allure, "How Breast Implants Have Evolved in the Last 30 Years," 25 Feb. 2021 In a moment marked by frank cultural conversations about race, identity, and representation, cosmetic companies have responded by revamping their approaches to address audiences that the industry has for too long ignored and underserved. — Crystal Martin, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Black Scientists, Doctors, and Entrepreneurs Changing The Beauty Industry," 7 Oct. 2020 Poshly, a marketing research firm that works with cosmetic companies surveyed 1,000 beauty consumers. — Hannah Kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "With lipstick sales down over mask-wearing, a custom-blended lipstick lab in Brookfield has closed," 1 Sep. 2020 This provides a decorative accent to your powder room and is great for storing bath bombs, cotton swabs, ovals, rounds, cosmetic sponges or wedges, salts, and more. — Chris Hachey, BGR, "Best Apothecary Jars," 17 Mar. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun High concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins make shea butter an ideal cosmetic ingredient for softening skin. — Howard Garrett, Dallas News, "Does gardening make your fingers sore and cracked? Try shea butter," 5 Apr. 2021 Though the final design hadn't yet been selected at the time, one paramedic wrote that hospital leadership should make actual — rather than cosmetic — fixes to address past harm inflicted on the community. — Libor Jany, Star Tribune, "Hennepin EMS overhauls uniforms to distinguish themselves from police, sparking internal backlash," 16 Mar. 2021 Then there are the injuries more cosmetic in nature. — Jeff Mcdonald, San Antonio Express-News, "Spurs' Derrick White sinks teeth into defensive role," 28 Mar. 2021 JCPenney will be forced to reinvent its cosmetic and perfume departments. — Michael Lisicky, Forbes, "JCPenney Has Become Too Silent After A Tumultuous Year In The Headlines," 18 Mar. 2021 This time, her product endorsement comes direct from her cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Mariana Vergara: an at-home face roller that's only $20. — Sarah Midkiff, refinery29.com, "The $20 Skin-Care Device Eva Mendes Swears By," 11 Feb. 2021 For that friend who is the expert of anything cosmetic, impress her with Guerlain’s Terracotta Bronzer. — Angela Lei, Forbes, "Women’s Day Gift Ideas: Best Presents For Fashion And Beauty Lovers," 3 Mar. 2021 But making the membership more diverse without addressing the larger problems at hand feels cosmetic at best — cynical at worst. — Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, "Golden Globes review: Flashy garbage, that's their thing," 1 Mar. 2021 About lipstick:Are face masks leading us to kiss the cosmetic goodbye? — David Oliver, USA TODAY, "Many are more comfortable in their bodies during the pandemic. For some LGBTQ people, it's the opposite.," 25 Jan. 2021

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.