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
Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 31 May 2026
The vegan and cruelty-free beauty line included serums, bath bombs and cosmetic bags.
—Esther Kang, PEOPLE, 29 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 esthetician school graduate owns studios in Sale, housing businesses operated by tattoo artists, lash technicians, makeup artists and others specializing in cosmetic treatments.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 31 May 2026
The vegan and cruelty-free beauty line included serums, bath bombs and cosmetic bags.
—Esther Kang, PEOPLE, 29 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
-
During the pandemic, Gary called in a team of decorative artists to repair the damage of time.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
-
Days later, everyone sitting around the table would be found dead in a home in nearby Rancho Santa Fe, a secluded, wealthy part of San Diego otherwise known for decorative citrus orchards, horse stables, and its elite country club.—
Savannah Walsh,
Vanity Fair,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
One aspect of the appeal that has already drawn attention is the makeup of the appellate court.—
Trey Wallace,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
-
The costume, hair, and makeup teams all need to hit the ground running on Tuesday when the show’s host comes in for their fitting.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
9 June 2026
Adjective
-
There are bronze finishes and other ornamental details, like a bas-relief of the city’s famous skyline and a large station clock.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 June 2026
-
These are purely an ornamental device, and the brilliant decision to include them, despite the fact that ornament is the only practical function, is a choice that only a designer in charge of her brand can make.—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Wembanyama — the third-place finisher in NBA MVP voting — had struggled with the physicality of the 7-foot Towns, whose unrelenting defense prevented the Spurs center from getting to his preferred spots in the paint.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2026
-
Cenac lacks efficiency and foul discipline at times — a weakness that was on display in the NCAA Tournament — but also has shown the potential to dominate the paint both as a defender and a scorer.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
The answer is a definite no, don't add red food coloring to your hummingbird food recipe.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 May 2026
-
Clad in an Avaro Figlio powder blue drop-waist gown with a black bodice, Bailey unleashed her box braids on the carpet, exposing the subtle progression of her dark coloring.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cosmetic. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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