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
Rep. Jaime Foster, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
The increase happened as plans for the bridge expanded and amid efforts to strengthen the bridge, raise it higher to prevent flooding and make cosmetic upgrades.
—Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 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
Dental care is not cosmetic; oral health is closely tied to overall health.
—Rep. Jaime Foster, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
The increase happened as plans for the bridge expanded and amid efforts to strengthen the bridge, raise it higher to prevent flooding and make cosmetic upgrades.
—Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 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
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Projects are moving away from decorative finishes toward natural materials—wood, stone, and layered surfaces that hold up over time.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
31 Mar. 2026
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Always a quick study, Chamberlain has followed up that initial foray with a collection of furniture and decorative accessories for West Elm.—
Mayer Rus,
Architectural Digest,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The federal makeup of Kansas City could also force city leaders to work closer with Republican state lawmakers in Jefferson City.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
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Make Makeup Last Using a moisturizing primer, opting for cream‑based products, and finishing with setting spray or powder can help prevent makeup from becoming flaky or patchy in dry conditions.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But none of these ornamental flourishes can conceal his fundamental incuriosity.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Like the conventional, more ornamental Fritillaries used for bulb planting, its flowers have a lampshade look.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Their rim protection was even worse, conceding 84 points in the paint.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
28 Mar. 2026
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The Cavaliers ended up outscoring the Heat 57-45 from three-point range and 52-46 in the paint on Friday.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Female Joro spiders are known for their vibrant yellow coloring and blue-black markings, per University of Georgia experts.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Also, using green food coloring, dye the milk in the refrigerator green.—
Amanda Rock,
Parents,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cosmetic. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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