as in decorative
serving to add beauty
changes in the original design of the building were purely cosmetic
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cosmetic
Charlie Campbell, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
According to British newspaper The Mirror, Regina Brumley Kerr was 43 and underwent multiple cosmetic enhancement procedures, including a tummy ruck, fat transfer and liposuction on her arms.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Fred Imbert, CNBC, 5 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
While critics say these changes are merely cosmetic, many ordinary Bangladeshis have been sold on the veneer of incorruptibility that comes from a theological under-pinning.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
According to British newspaper The Mirror, Regina Brumley Kerr was 43 and underwent multiple cosmetic enhancement procedures, including a tummy ruck, fat transfer and liposuction on her arms.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
Estee Lauder — The cosmetics company moved nearly 2% higher on the back of an upgrade at Raymond James to strong buy from market perform.
—Fred Imbert, CNBC, 5 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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Wisconsin couples usually choose guest comfort through good food and large portions and flexible dining times instead of choosing expensive decorative elements.—
K.H. Koehler,
jsonline.com,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Terren Farmhouse Linen Sofa I was immediately drawn to the delicate blue stripes on this linen sofa, which add a decorative touch.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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My mom always applies it with her fingers, but it can also be applied using a brush or makeup sponge—just make sure to use light layers and blend for a natural, crease-free finish.—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
3 Feb. 2026
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The night before the 2026 Grammy Awards, most makeup artists were home prepping their kits or reviewing the next day’s schedule.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Another ornamental variety, 'Eureka Variegated Pink', doesn't turn fully yellow.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Flowering crab apples, for example, are useful small ornamental trees that offer lovely red, pink or white flowers in late spring and autumn fruits that feed wildlife.—
Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Cougars finished with four turnovers and held a 26-8 advantage in points in the paint.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Behind 35 points from Brandon Ingram, Toronto (29-21) was able finish with a 56-42 advantage in the paint, but Orlando’s win snapped a four-game losing streak against the Canadian team that reached back to last season.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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For years, Raines’ organization has served people experiencing homelessness across the region, providing them services such as hair coloring, makeup and mobile showers.—
Joseph Serna,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
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Studies show that coloring can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety while improving your mood.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cosmetic. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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