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

Kate Hudson shimmered in a custom Giorgio Armani Privé draped silver halter-neck gown with crystal embellishments. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026

Silver embellishments can add a little bit of New Year's Eve energy to accessories, shoes, and clothing alike, which everyone needs when heading into the drearier winter months. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 12 Jan. 2026

Advertisement An initial version of the Fed’s proposal for the project from 2021 included private elevators and dining rooms, water fountains, and new marble embellishments. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 12 Jan. 2026

Sentimental Value star Elle Fanning wore a lilac Gucci gown that was covered head-to-toe in floral embellishments inspired by the national flower of Norway. —Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1