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

Her off-the-shoulder dress was covered in intricate pearl embellishments and featured a sheer illusion neckline. — Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026

For the 2016 Met Gala, Kravitz wore a black Valentino look featuring a strapless minidress with an oversized bow embellishment in the back. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026

When transiting this Earth sign (and its sign of rulership), practical and calculated precision takes precedence over ambiguity and embellishment as a result of passion. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026

Pierre’s work and his eye make plain that no garment, no singular cut or color or embellishment, is distinctly MAGA. — Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1