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
William Jones, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Meanwhile, Netflix climbed 3% after the streamer announced a 10-for-1 stock split — a largely cosmetic change that’s typically done to rev up retail trader interest.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025
Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
The company is currently looking for a partner to dive deeper into the category with cosmetics.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Adjective
However, composite veneers still remain very much a cheaper temporary option and are largely used not only for minor cosmetic changes but also a quick smile makeover.
—William Jones, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Meanwhile, Netflix climbed 3% after the streamer announced a 10-for-1 stock split — a largely cosmetic change that’s typically done to rev up retail trader interest.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
That allowed Sarian to launch the podcast Murder, Mystery & Makeup, which pairs true crime cases with cosmetics tutorials.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
The company is currently looking for a partner to dive deeper into the category with cosmetics.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cosmetic
Adjective
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With sturdy construction, ample shelf space, and glass doors, china cabinets are excellent for storing and displaying delicate china sets, trinkets, decorative plates, heirloom decor, and more.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
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Proper Poinsettia Care as a Perennial In order to keep your poinsettia happy and blooming, the decorative foil is the first thing that has got to go.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The makeup of the roster and the team's second-highest preseason ranking in Wieber's seven seasons has her thinking the group could create a special season.—
Tom Murphy,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
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However, these cleaners are more harsh in their makeup and post more health hazards from the need of ventilation.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Always Remove Broken Branches Winter is hard on our smaller woody shrubs, fruit trees, and ornamental trees.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
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Taking over a 19th-century townhouse with ornamental window frames and swirling wrought-iron balcony consoles, âme doesn’t strike you as a hotel at first.—
Chris Schalkx,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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At 218 pounds, the 6-foot-7 forward is both stronger and more fluid in the paint, and has shown a new ability to battle through contact and get to the basket.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Jan. 2026
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As a result, the Timberwolves outscored the Heat 62-38 in the paint on Tuesday.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The upholstery is of nice quality, too—no snags or sagging, at least at this point—and there’s some subtle variation in the coloring that adds a bit of depth (my bed features the Stone fabric, but bouclé is also available).—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
7 Jan. 2026
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Her curly brown hair, a mix of Chopra's coloring and Jonas's texture, was depicted in the following slide.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cosmetic. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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