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
Kennedy French, Variety, 6 May 2026
Many religions condemn vanity and praise modesty, which can inform attitudes toward cosmetic work.
—ABC News, 6 May 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
The event offers a range of in-game rewards, including cosmetic items and a new melee weapon.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 6 May 2026
Many religions condemn vanity and praise modesty, which can inform attitudes toward cosmetic work.
—ABC News, 6 May 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
-
Interiors by Studio Architetto Mar, balance historic character with refined updates, highlighted by two reception rooms, a formal dining room, and a spacious chef’s kitchen dressed in decorative wallpaper.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
28 Apr. 2026
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The best luxury bath towels also feature decorative accents like embroidery and monogramming to elevate your washroom’s aesthetic.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Research found that systems were less likely to accurately classify the faces of women with darker complexions and that certain makeup patterns could render the technology null.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
-
This cult Japanese skincare-meets-makeup hybrid is an ultra-fine powder to even out skin tone, soften the look of pores, and reduce shine, leaving a translucent finish with subtle coverage.—
Anita Bhagwandas,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
For gardeners with lower humidity, ornamental oregano makes a stunning solo planting.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Place the bar of soap inside a mesh bag or a single sock, then hang it from the branches of fruit trees, ornamental shrubs, or a garden fence.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Scoring in the paint, and then the threes start falling after that.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
-
The Sky scored 48 points in the paint.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2026
Noun
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Some of the new cocktails include the Dubai Tai, which mixes rum, a pistachio simple syrup and chocolate, and the Ay Dio Tigre, made with tequila, strawberry, watermelon, tajin and red food coloring.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
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One new study looked at how the coloring of microplastics – the tiny bits of plastics found everywhere from our rivers to our brains – may actually be helping increase temperatures.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cosmetic. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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