embellishment

noun

em·​bel·​lish·​ment im-ˈbe-lish-mənt How to pronounce embellishment (audio)
Synonyms of embellishmentnext
1
: the act or process of embellishing
2
: something serving to embellish
3

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The low-to-the-ground shoe was overall a showcase of streamlined simplicity with its lack of embellishment and glove-like fit. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 26 Jan. 2026 Even the name Greenland taps into antiquity thanks to Erik the Red, who was banished here in 982, found a sheltered, green fjord to call home, and named the place Greenland, an embellishment to lure other Norsemen west. Tim Neville, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026 Valentino's Georgette fabrics, chiffon ruffles and ornate embellishments, including the exclusive budellini technique − where sheep's wool is hand-rolled into tubes, wrapped in silk and stitched together − won him a multitude of awards, including France's highest civilian distinction in 2006. Kim Willis, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026 Carpenter's gold Louboutin pumps featured a round toe and a bow embellishment at the vamp. Hannah Malach, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embellishment

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embellishment was in 1591

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Cite this Entry

“Embellishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embellishment. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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