as in decorative
serving to add beauty
changes in the original design of the building were purely cosmetic
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cosmetic
John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2026
Despite not having undergone any cosmetic work prior, Mae went all in with a dramatic makeover.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026
Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
It was also adopted by dermo-cosmetic brands for sensitive skin.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Adjective
Under one roof, this marketplace — a mainstay on Saratoga Avenue since 1998 — combines a grocery with seafood, meat, bakery, sushi and produce departments; a food court with three restaurants, a huge lineup of Japanese whiskey and beer — plus a bookstore and several cosmetic and skin care counters.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2026
Despite not having undergone any cosmetic work prior, Mae went all in with a dramatic makeover.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
These versatile salves might serve to treat a burn, as a facial cosmetic, or as a hair conditioner in a pinch.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
It was also adopted by dermo-cosmetic brands for sensitive skin.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cosmetic
Adjective
-
All the decorative details, from the burl wood headboards, curved armchairs or sofas, retro tiled bathrooms and alabaster suspension lamps, thoughtfully whisk guests to another time.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Baseboards Baseboards collect a lot of dust over time, especially ones with a more decorative design.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Never again will your towel slip off while blow drying your hair or applying makeup -- made with a soft elastic band across the back and finished with a Velcro closure in front.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Gridin has a desirable makeup, developing athleticism, skill on the puck as a 6-1 winger and a quick, NHL look to his release.—
Scott Wheeler,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This can include trailing ivy, pachysandras, and even clover or ornamental grasses.—
Ashley Chalmers,
The Spruce,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Add ornamental pepper plants to fall containers to keep squirrels away from pumpkins on your porch.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Using harsh scrubbing, abrasive tools, or strong chemicals can easily dull the surface or even strip away the paint.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The bank downgraded the paint company to equal-weight from overweight.—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Young Humboldt penguins have grayish-brown feathers and won’t develop their signature black-and-white coloring for a few years.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Held on the South Lawn, this year’s event included such activities as the beloved egg roll, a Be Best Military Card Writing Station, the Lunar Exploration Experience, egg coloring fun for kids and mini golf.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cosmetic. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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