Definition of costumenext
1
as in dress
clothing chosen as appropriate for a specific situation a tuxedo is the only acceptable costume for men attending a formal event

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in mask
clothing put on to hide one's true identity or imitate someone or something else Halloween costumes that caricature some of the "celebrities" created by the media over the past year

Synonyms & Similar Words

costume

3 of 3

adjective

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 costume
Noun
The company has cultivated relationships with prop masters, costume designers and production designers, whose decisions often determine which watches appear on screen. Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 Cantrall also points to the costumes (designed by Caroline Cranstoun and Bramli Knauf), noting the details in all the designs. Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026
Verb
Stewart recounted New York’s enthusiastic reaction to the Knicks winning, including the appearance of multiple Spider-Man costumes, a dancing MTA bus driver, and a drum line. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2026 Indeed, Green throws off a kind of 1970s Wonder Woman vibe at times, especially given how she is costumed by Theresa Ham, and that adds to the fun. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
Adjective
Iconic costume designers Colleen Atwood and Mark Sutherland talk about the art of adaptation, collaborating with Tim Burton, and introducing a new generation of fans to everyone’s favorite morbid daughter. Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 So that was kind of cool to get basically a flip side of a costume coin. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for costume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costume
Noun
  • Aniston occasionally wears a mini dress to show off her toned gams, but her preference for maxi styles is undeniable.
    Samantha Sutton, InStyle, 22 July 2026
  • The dress’ preppy and polished look is primed for all sorts of summer occasions — from casual backyard barbecues to dinners out on vacation.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • That Masked Man Having worn a black mask in previous games to protect a broken nose, LeBron was forced to switch to a clear mask for a March 3, 2014 game against the Charlotte Bobcats.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026
  • The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is $110 off, while this red light therapy mask — a skincare tool celebrities like Charlize Theron praise — is $80 off.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Yeoh turned to Schiaparelli for her attire, clad in a classic black and white look with pops of gold throughout.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 July 2026
  • After sermons and scripture reading, family and friends clad in colorful clothing danced down the aisle.
    Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • The clothes were cute, though, if not a little costumey.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 1 May 2026
  • The white trim along the front buttons and sleeve hems gives it a vintage feel without being costumey.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • One concern was that many European venues lack air conditioning, and David worried that guests would be uncomfortable in black-tie attire.
    Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Yeoh turned to Schiaparelli for her attire, clad in a classic black and white look with pops of gold throughout.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • Their markings serve as camouflage, blending in with a dappled light pattern.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 18 July 2026
  • Michael Rubenstein/Northwestern University View gallery - 5 images Engineers at Northwestern University have built a drone that vanishes without camouflage or transparent panels.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • The couple was pictured posing together in glitzy date night looks—Stefani wore a pale pink floral appliqué gown by Yara Shoemaker, while Shelton wore a black tux.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 21 July 2026
  • Additional snaps feature the Boy Next Door star taking a selfie at Wimbledon, posing for photos in a Dolce & Gabbana gown and enjoying a cup of coffee and a croissant from what appears to be a hotel balcony.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • The bottoms have been trending since spring, with everyone including Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, and Zendaya reaching for the shorts that are equal parts dressy and summer ready.
    Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 21 July 2026
  • Whether you’re headed to a tropical retreat or a wedding in Europe, dressy pumps give this bohemian ’fit a sleek, polished finish—especially in a slingback silhouette.
    India Roby, Glamour, 21 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costume. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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