decorative

adjective

dec·​o·​ra·​tive ˈde-k(ə-)rə-tiv 

ˈde-kə-ˌrā-

: serving to decorate

especially : purely ornamental

decoratively adverb

decorativeness noun

Synonyms of decorative

• ornamental

Examples of decorative in a Sentence

We added some decorative details to the room.

The handles are decorative and practical.

Recent Examples on the Web

There are also decorative elements in the proposal, such as landscaping and posts to protect pedestrians on parkways along 31st Street, along with additional tree and shrub plantings. —Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026

The home features original tile, oak floors and decorative ironwork and masonry. —Camila Gomez, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026

The artists' behind it want to bring gentle motion into what would otherwise be static decorative objects, without losing the aesthetic quality of solid wood. —New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2026

These are series in which setting is not decorative, but fundamental to the drama. —Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing decorative

• decorative art

Kids Definition

decorative

adjective

dec·​o·​ra·​tive ˈdek-(ə-)rət-iv 

ˈdek-ə-ˌrāt-

: serving to decorate : ornamental

decoratively adverb

decorativeness noun