as in decorative
serving to add beauty
changes in the original design of the building were purely cosmetic
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Recent Examples of cosmetic
Bryan West, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
In its first fiscal quarter since President Donald Trump's tariffs were announced, cosmetics company E.l.f.
—Natalie Rice, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2025
Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2025
The European Union and Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) have an extensive list of products that are prohibited from use for cosmetic purposes.
—Keyaira Boone, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Adjective
The cosmetic is in stock for $26.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
In its first fiscal quarter since President Donald Trump's tariffs were announced, cosmetics company E.l.f.
—Natalie Rice, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
But already there were cosmetic shifts.
—Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2025
The European Union and Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) have an extensive list of products that are prohibited from use for cosmetic purposes.
—Keyaira Boone, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cosmetic
Adjective
-
The brand also offers a silver cream and liquid polish that removes tarnish and restores shine to flatware, trays, and other decorative pieces.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Place in a decorative serving bowl or scatter down the center of your table.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
But don’t mistake Seville’s lack of physical makeup for talent.—
Cory Mull,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Trump’s pressure campaign against mail-in voting comes amid a nationwide redistricting war between Republicans and Democrats that could shift the makeup of Congress.—
Hailey Bullis,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Pumpkins, gourds, and ornamental corn all have a place, too.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Indiana has rich biodiversity with thousands of species in unique habitats, but the ornamental plant trade, globalization and development have introduced new threats to these ecosystems.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Cruz used white paint and a paint roller to cover it.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
-
This inexpensive and easy craft just requires a small chalkboard, a little extra paint, and a pretty ribbon.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Gina Marie Bakery, based in Waterbury, announced the voluntary recall on September 10 over the potential undeclared presence of almonds, sesame and several food colorings—namely Red 40, Red 3, Blue 1, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
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The new species was identified by its DNA, bone structure, body proportions, fin shape, head shape, coloring and other subtle physical features, the study said.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cosmetic. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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