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

The front stayed free of embellishment, with the fold across the bodice acting as the only visible structure. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 13 Dec. 2025

Roaring 2020s Beaded fringe, shift dresses, all-over embellishments—this season found one of its most popular muses in the flapper. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025

Jenner wore a floor-length orange gown with triangular cutouts complete with a deep V-neckline cinched with a cross embellishment, which was then replicated on her necklace with several more crosses varying in size. —Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025

Three cheery looking snowmen wearing pink accessories and blinged out with pink candy embellishments greeted shoppers. —Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1