1
as in dress
clothing chosen as appropriate for a specific situation
a tuxedo is the only acceptable costume for men attending a formal event
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2
as in mask
clothing put on to hide one's true identity or imitate someone or something else
Halloween costumes that caricature some of the "celebrities" created by the media over the past year
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to dress
to outfit with clothes and especially fine or special clothes
the days when people, costumed in their Sunday best, would parade along the grand avenue on Easter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in costumey
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of costume
Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Bachik shared a post to Instagram first showing Lopez in action onstage, gripping a microphone in a dazzling, very Vegas costume (rhinestones and fishnets and wind machines, oh my).
—Marci Robin, Allure, 10 Mar. 2026
Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
The leading actor sourced and supplied personal pieces for both projects, and approaches costuming as a shorthand into showcasing his characters’ personality.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
Alejandro Badia, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026
Although the film is an adaptation, the idea to use millinery to help build the mythical court dress of Migal Bavel was costume designer Susie Coulthard’s idea.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for costume
Noun
An Instagram story posted Monday night shows Cardi B breathing from an oxygen tank during a costume change backstage.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Bachik shared a post to Instagram first showing Lopez in action onstage, gripping a microphone in a dazzling, very Vegas costume (rhinestones and fishnets and wind machines, oh my).
—Marci Robin, Allure, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
Donning facial hair, bowler hats and narrow ties, a group of women costumed as men appear to pay court to the woman seated in the center of this photo, taken about 1905.
—Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
The leading actor sourced and supplied personal pieces for both projects, and approaches costuming as a shorthand into showcasing his characters’ personality.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
In Milan, suits are never costume.
—Alejandro Badia, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026
Although the film is an adaptation, the idea to use millinery to help build the mythical court dress of Migal Bavel was costume designer Susie Coulthard’s idea.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for costume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costume
Noun
-
Across her practice, Mann has focused on youth culture in South Africa, including how dress helps form one’s identity.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
11 Mar. 2026
-
This Free People faux suede blazer is an elegant piece that looks just as great with a pair of jeans and a turtleneck as a dress out to dinner.—
Nneya Richards,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
When officers arrived, two men approached them wearing masks and gloves, carrying at least one gun.—
Kristi Miller,
Twin Cities,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Known for his fringed mask and cinematic brand of outlaw country, Peck delivered a high-energy set that blended dramatic stage presence with crowd-pleasing singalongs.—
Staff Photographer,
Austin American Statesman,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Weaving, clad in a magenta pink gown, recorded a video message to fans, which ran at the start of the film.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Joseph and his supporters were clad in green and white and marched somberly to the election council’s headquarters.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The white trim along the front buttons and sleeve hems gives it a vintage feel without being costumey.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Speaking of styling tricks to steal, the foppish ties that almost looked like silk scarves or ribbons at the Yohji Yamamoto show would be a good alternative for women who want some kind of necktie but think a traditional men’s tie reads too costumey.—
Marisa Meltzer,
Vanity Fair,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Another activity is setting a leprechaun trap with pulleys to teach about working with objects in motion and camouflage.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
-
However, camouflage, vegetation and changing lighting conditions often make these mines nearly invisible in conventional images.—
Sagar Lekhak,
The Conversation,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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They were identically attired, in a dark suit and dark glasses.—
Alexandra Petri,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Critics highlighted Bad Bunny’s tendency to challenge gender norms related to attire and his open criticism of President Donald Trump.—
Torrey Snow,
Baltimore Sun,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The AirEssentials French Rib collection is a slightly dressier take on the brand’s signature ultra-soft fabric.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Jeans and flats are a perfect dressy-ish combo that puts your comfort first.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There are the performers, who are dressed in the garb of their characters, and positioned in the environment in which those characters move onscreen.—
Naomi Fry,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
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Adriana Lambarri’s costumes skillfully replicate the actor’s garb in the film while composer/sound designer Jazer Sibley-Schwartz channels at the outset a knowing nod to John Williams’ indelible, two-note cadence of menacing notes announcing the shark’s arrival.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costume. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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