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
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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
as in to dress
to outfit with clothes and especially fine or special clothes
the days when people, costumed in their Sunday best, would parade along the grand avenue on Easter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in costumey
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of costume
James Taylor, CBS News, 16 June 2026
The memories, artwork, belly laughter, handmade jewelry, oil paintings, sculptures, costumes and all around joie de vivre live on.
—Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
Hunter Ingram, Variety, 27 May 2026
The same girls who’d posted winking pop-culture-reference couples Halloween costumes a few years ago were now posting their toddlers in their own pop-culture-reference costumes.
—Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
ABC News, 10 May 2026
But four times the talent means four times the finery, which was costume designer Molly Rogers’ challenge.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for costume
Noun
That's the same day that the popular Evangeline's gift and costume store is scheduled to re-open after being damaged by a fire in June of last year.
—James Taylor, CBS News, 16 June 2026
The memories, artwork, belly laughter, handmade jewelry, oil paintings, sculptures, costumes and all around joie de vivre live on.
—Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
Verb
Some of the episode’s interiors were built alongside the regular Widow’s Bay sets, so breaks for her –– while costumed in 18th century clothing –– were spent taking a breather on a city hall desk or lounging on a couch that would certainly be out of place in 1702.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 27 May 2026
The same girls who’d posted winking pop-culture-reference couples Halloween costumes a few years ago were now posting their toddlers in their own pop-culture-reference costumes.
—Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
The trio appeared to be dressed up for Halloween, with Louis wearing a costume cape and hat while Laila sat in Bullock's arms in a bright floral outfit.
—ABC News, 10 May 2026
But four times the talent means four times the finery, which was costume designer Molly Rogers’ challenge.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for costume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costume
Noun
-
Some products highlighted by the DA's office included a lace dress selling for $6,490, a suitcoat for $4,950, and a slip skirt for $1,090.—
Katie Houlis,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
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Em Maxi dress + bandeau, $545 $382.—
Aemilia Madden,
Vogue,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
The event pays tribute to Baltimore's African American heritage through live music, cultural entertainers, children's activities, African drumming, carnival mask-making, art showcases, and local vendors.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
-
Use it as a body mask in the shower and step out with super-smooth skin.—
Cheryl Fenton,
Parents,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
Fans clad in Chicago’s black pinstripes and Dodger blue alike rose to their feet.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
-
In 2024 French and American scientists were able to contain plasma at 50 million degrees Celsius for six minutes by using a fusion device called a tokamak clad in tungsten instead of the traditional graphite tiles.—
Ari Sen,
Scientific American,
13 June 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
-
Her accessories were kept minimal and echoed the polished nature of her attire.—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
16 June 2026
-
An unspoken expectation to look like counterparts in their 20s and 30s demands a massive investment in expensive med spas, cosmetics to cover gray roots, and professional attire and dry cleaning that cost more today than ever before.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Dressed in military-style camouflage, the members of the National Coordinating Committee of the Bolivarian Army placed their weapons on a table during a formal ceremony in the department of Putumayo, which borders Ecuador.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
-
The close-to-the-crown plaits create a sleek, polished finish while helping camouflage sparse areas by minimizing visible spacing between each braid.—
Omenaa Boakye,
InStyle,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
Harriet, 45, wore a lace gown by Emilia Wickstead and topped the look with the Pragnell Tiara, reportedly borrowing the headpiece from the jeweler behind her engagement ring.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
8 June 2026
-
The bride wore a custom lace gown by Emilia Wickstead, pairing it with a Pragnell family tiara—notably, the same jeweler designed Elizabeth's engagement ring.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
For travelers who want something dressier than a sneaker but more practical than a typical ballet flat, these strike a smart balance.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
14 June 2026
-
The cropped hemline can also be more appropriate than shorts for dressier occasions, like work or nice dinners.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costume. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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