costume 1 of 3

1
as in clothes
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

costume

2 of 3

verb

costume

3 of 3

adjective

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of costume
Noun
In recent years, Chanel has expanded its support for cinema, which now encompasses everything from costume design to film restoration, in addition to initiatives geared at fostering the next generation of movie directors. Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 13 May 2025 In addition, the play will include costume design by Tom Broecker, lighting design by Donald Holder and sound design by Beth Lake. Dave Quinn, People.com, 5 May 2025
Verb
Newmar’s coveted costume as Catwoman, which was designed for her hourglass figure, was donated to the Smithsonian. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2025 The first act is as much theatrical performance as ballet with the dancers in their costumes signaling their social status as peasant or part of the noble retinue – there are even two beautiful Borzoi dogs that take the stage (and behaved perfectly). Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Director Noelle Marion keeps the laughs flowing in this lilting production, which is well-cast, nicely sung and stunningly costumed by Elisa Benzoni. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2025 Coogler told Entertainment Weekly in April that the film's central time-bending juke joint sequence, which features dozens of extras costumed by Carter, was among the project's most complicated to shoot. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for costume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costume
Noun
  • Nelms' friends presented her with a specific blue dress, which was the final piece of the puzzle.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
  • For the event, Lipa sported a striking white cut-out Jacquemus dress on her picturesque Spanish vacation.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson has justified ICE agents donning masks during raids, saying they would be doxed if unmasked.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 18 Aug. 2025
  • People can also wear an N95 respirator, a type of high-quality mask, to minimize exposure in dusty areas.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Next to me line cooks, sous-chefs, and other assorted restaurant workers clad in athleisure are limbering up in the middle of a narrow street in downtown Manhattan, the skyscrapers casting us into shadow in the sunny weather.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The main level is open and airy and anchored by a dramatic double-sided fireplace clad in vertical strips of wood, a motif that repeats throughout the home.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Denim and leather were a popular pairing, as well as camouflage and waxy coatings.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Albinism in sharks is itself a rare occurrence and can is thought to be possibly detrimental because the lack of dark pigments reduces camouflage, making the animal more visible to predators or prey, and impacting their ability to mate with others of its species.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The authors propose a new model that places attire alongside the face, body, context and viewer traits, revealing that dress influences judgments of social identity, mental state, status and aesthetic taste.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Catmull enters attired in a black gown lined with sparkling contours that recall the sinuous figures of artist and designer Erté.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Dark indigo and black denim brought a dressy element to occasions.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Aug. 2025
  • They also are easily dressed up or down: Throw on a tank top to dress the shorts down, or choose a chic, dressy top for a fancier look.
    Robin Raven, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The trailer shows scenes of the two lovers sleeping together, traversing Maine together, then cuts to Josh O’Connor dressed in military garb.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 July 2025
  • The queen’s country garb — including riding jackets, tartan skirts and silk headscarves — will also have a place in the show.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Atelier 11 recently launched in its current guise, as Deadline first reported in July.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Even Zara has fallen under the guise of a gentle rebrand.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 5 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costume. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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