embellishment
noun
em·bel·lish·ment
im-ˈbe-lish-mənt 
Synonyms
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
For a fun take on the trend, consider springing for a pair with pearl embellishments (like the option below from All Saints) or ones featuring bold colors or patterns.
—
Lauren Dana Ellman, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2023
For the occasion, the tennis champ chose a pink satin cocktail dress with embellishments creating an image of poppies and with extra rhinestones on the bust.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 19 Sep. 2023
An icon can withstand any number of embellishments, re-creations, interpretations.
—Hanya Yanagihara, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2023
Rather than leaning into the darker elements of spider lore, the nominee went ethereal in Oscar de la Renta, shoulders dusted in silver glitter, face adorned with diamante embellishments and luminous touches.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2023
Lowe’s work is striking for its exterior purity — clean lines and ingenious embellishments — and its internally complex construction.
—Rachel Tashjian, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2023
For those who are looking for more of a naked-dress experience, there was a sheer shift with gold embellishments—at once spangly and, because of the ease with which the model was wearing it, totally casual.
—Izzy Grinspan, Harper's BAZAAR, 7 Sep. 2023
His compositions are stuffed with religious iconography, Baroque embellishments, claustrophobic medieval alleys and lots and lots of pasta.
—Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2023
Abby donned a strapless white gown with gold embellishments while carrying white roses.
—Jacklyn Krol, Peoplemag, 19 Aug. 2023
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Lauren Dana Ellman, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2023
For the occasion, the tennis champ chose a pink satin cocktail dress with embellishments creating an image of poppies and with extra rhinestones on the bust.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 19 Sep. 2023
An icon can withstand any number of embellishments, re-creations, interpretations.
—Hanya Yanagihara, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2023
Rather than leaning into the darker elements of spider lore, the nominee went ethereal in Oscar de la Renta, shoulders dusted in silver glitter, face adorned with diamante embellishments and luminous touches.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2023
Lowe’s work is striking for its exterior purity — clean lines and ingenious embellishments — and its internally complex construction.
—Rachel Tashjian, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2023
For those who are looking for more of a naked-dress experience, there was a sheer shift with gold embellishments—at once spangly and, because of the ease with which the model was wearing it, totally casual.
—Izzy Grinspan, Harper's BAZAAR, 7 Sep. 2023
His compositions are stuffed with religious iconography, Baroque embellishments, claustrophobic medieval alleys and lots and lots of pasta.
—Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2023
Abby donned a strapless white gown with gold embellishments while carrying white roses.
—Jacklyn Krol, Peoplemag, 19 Aug. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'embellishment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near embellishment
Cite this Entry
“Embellishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embellishment. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on embellishment
Nglish: Translation of embellishment for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of embellishment for Arabic Speakers
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