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

Shell embellishments and pearl-like motifs brought the collection’s coastal references into more decorative pieces. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Pat Bryant 's acting skills could put a blush on the faces of Neymar, Rivaldo and Arjen Robben, the most famous divers in World Cup soccer history due to their theatrical embellishments. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

The actor was an early standout of the night in a sheer black lace gown with a plunging neckline, thigh-high slit, and plenty of ostrich feather embellishments. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2026

The wedding was broadcasted live on television in Canada, where viewers watched Dion walk down the aisle in a silk Mirella and Steve Gentile gown covered in crystal embellishments. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1