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

Increasingly, human resources departments noticed that applicants used the résumé to tell white lies, and even bigger fibs, listing fictitious degrees, fake promotions and other embellishments. —Stephen Mihm, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026

Original decorative embellishments such as the gilt trimwork and ceiling moldings have been restored and recreated. —Mark David, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2026

The Prada gown, with peek-a-book paneling, is timeless and chic with tulle and pearl embellishments. —Erin Jensen, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026

The actress, who took home her own Oscar in 1970 for the film Cactus Flower, was a vision in a semi-sheer black gown with silver lace-like embellishments. —Tessa Petak, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1