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
Charlie Campbell, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
According to British newspaper The Mirror, Regina Brumley Kerr was 43 and underwent multiple cosmetic enhancement procedures, including a tummy ruck, fat transfer and liposuction on her arms.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Fred Imbert, CNBC, 5 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
While critics say these changes are merely cosmetic, many ordinary Bangladeshis have been sold on the veneer of incorruptibility that comes from a theological under-pinning.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
According to British newspaper The Mirror, Regina Brumley Kerr was 43 and underwent multiple cosmetic enhancement procedures, including a tummy ruck, fat transfer and liposuction on her arms.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
Estee Lauder — The cosmetics company moved nearly 2% higher on the back of an upgrade at Raymond James to strong buy from market perform.
—Fred Imbert, CNBC, 5 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
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The men’s Western offering includes boots with inlays and decorative stitching on the shafts.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Owners are easily able to entertain groups of 10 or more in the corner living room, which also features a decorative ceiling display accented by a modern light fixture.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The musical sequel had scored eight longlist mentions including in acting categories, score and sound, but today only heard its name called in costume and hair and makeup.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2026
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This article has been updated to provide more context about the study of professional athletes’ political leanings and to give a breakdown of the racial makeup of Major League Baseball.—
Adam Beam,
AJC.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The cropped pants featured a dangling ornamental element at the hem, which swung above her shoes.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
26 Jan. 2026
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The Mellerio ruby tiara worn today by Queen Maxima of the Netherlands was not created as just another ornamental jewel, but as a piece designed to consolidate image, lineage and continuity within the House of Orange.—
Marta Martínez Tato,
Vanity Fair,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The Cougars finished with four turnovers and held a 26-8 advantage in points in the paint.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Behind 35 points from Brandon Ingram, Toronto (29-21) was able finish with a 56-42 advantage in the paint, but Orlando’s win snapped a four-game losing streak against the Canadian team that reached back to last season.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For years, Raines’ organization has served people experiencing homelessness across the region, providing them services such as hair coloring, makeup and mobile showers.—
Joseph Serna,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
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Studies show that coloring can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety while improving your mood.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cosmetic. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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