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
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
26 June 2026
Why worry about a cosmetic problem when there is so much going on in the world that is demonstrably more important?
—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
26 June 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
If your cosmetic bag has been hanging on since the days of department store gift-with-purchase promotions, consider this your sign to retire it.
—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
26 June 2026
Why worry about a cosmetic problem when there is so much going on in the world that is demonstrably more important?
—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
26 June 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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The landscaping is really appealing, with decorative water features and tropical foliage to cool the pool deck, and lifeguards are conspicuously on-hand.
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The shoes are crafted in a glossy, burgundy patent leather with decorative broguing on the vamp, which is a signature detail of many of Thom Browne’s shoe designs.
Noun
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My jaw is still on the floor over this can’t-miss $1 makeup deal.
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Having spent more than 30 years in the makeup industry, founder and makeup artist Jung Saem Mool knows great makeup starts long before foundation enters the picture.
Adjective
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This plant was brought to North America as an ornamental species and is native to Eurasia.
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The arching stems and feathery plumes of ornamental grasses make a fantastic partner to the dense flower power of dahlias in late summer.
Noun
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The Associated Press verified that one man was arrested after touching the already-peeling paint.
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Practically before the paint had dried, the mural was a sensation.
Noun
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In December 2025, Sudakov and two of his graduate students drastically simplified the team’s coloring model, improving their new bounds even further.
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Jaden Smith at Christian Louboutin is keeping the category interesting with his designs, including details like gradient coloring and wide square toes.
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cosmetic. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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