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cosmetic 1 of 2

adjective

käz-ˈme-tik How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
Definition of cosmeticnext
as in decorative
serving to add beauty changes in the original design of the building were purely cosmetic

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cosmetic

2 of 2

noun

as in makeup

Related Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cosmetic
Adjective
Renter-friendly upgrades are getting bolder Renters are investing in cosmetic and semi-permanent upgrades fast enough to catch the attention of the country’s largest listing platform. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2026 Teen users will also have likes hidden, cosmetic filters disabled, and the option to control autoplay of videos as well as the ability to opt for a non-algorithmic feed. — Julia Boorstin, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
Barneys in Naples will also carry fragrance, cosmetics, jewelry, children’s, ladies’ handbags and shoes. — David Moin, Footwear News, 11 June 2026 Between 2019 and 2024, Chinese color cosmetics and skincare brands in Southeast Asia reported compound annual growth rates of 70% and 115% respectively, according to data analytics firm Euromonitor. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cosmetic
  1. decorative
  2. makeup
  3. ornamental
  4. paint
  5. coloring
Adjective
  • Best Under $30 Closer in scale to a drawer pull than a coat hanger, this decorative wall hook works best for lightweight items like jewelry, keys, and bags with shorter straps.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Mixing meaningful keepsakes with purely decorative objects can create a display that feels sweet and personal without feeling overly curated.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of decorative
Noun
  • The bestselling cream-like balm melts into a clear, oil-like cleanser when warmed between dry palms, dissolving makeup, sunscreen, and grime before emulsifying with water and rinsing clean.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The focus was placed on her outfit, which meant makeup was minimal, with a focus on clean skin and a flushed complexion.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of makeup
Adjective
  • Stop deadheading plants grown for ornamental seed heads, such as coneflowers, sedums, ornamental grasses, and black-eyed Susans.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Alliums Many people are surprised to find out that our good old culinary onion (Allium cepa) has a tremendous number of very showy cousins that are grown as ornamental bulbs.
    — Paul Cappeillo, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of ornamental
Noun
  • On the walls, the paint is peeling and the floor, unswept in days, leaves little pieces of dirt stuck to our feet.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • When every color of paint is mixed together, a dark color emerges.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of paint
Noun
  • There was a time when skincare did the treating and makeup did the covering and coloring.
    — Mickey Williams, Flow Space, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Unlike plants that produce clear fiber and color it later, Prysmian holds a patent for coloring fiber directly on the draw tower.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of coloring

Browse Nearby Words

cosigns
cosmetic
cosmetic case
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Cite this Entry

“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cosmetic. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cosmetic

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cosmetic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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