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

His medium was the linocut print—clean, strong, and scornful of embellishment. —Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026

And that’s not embellishment — that was my one goal in life. —Ellise Shafer, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026

In addition to featuring intricate lacework, some pieces stand out for being crafted from chiffon and fluid satins, being punctuated by tiny floral embroideries and cascading daisy embellishments or simply for their buttery hues that add to the classic black and white propositions. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026

We’re drawn to each design but really like the curved scallop edges and piped embellishments for an elegant bedscape. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1