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
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
Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2026
The event featured roaming jugglers and stilt-walkers, face painting, craft stations, costume displays, entertainment from a DJ, and demonstrations from Lyric Opera artists and technicians.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
Bryan Barcena, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
Chrome filigree details outline white French tips, nodding to the swoon-worthy Edwardian costuming in period pieces like Bridgerton.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026
Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
The theme this year is costume art.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for costume
Noun
Planners say costumes, smiles and good vibes are encouraged.
—Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2026
The event featured roaming jugglers and stilt-walkers, face painting, craft stations, costume displays, entertainment from a DJ, and demonstrations from Lyric Opera artists and technicians.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
The pictures capture thirty years of evolving set design and costuming in Technicolor—or rather, a gaudier and more hallucinogenic version of it.
—Bryan Barcena, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
Chrome filigree details outline white French tips, nodding to the swoon-worthy Edwardian costuming in period pieces like Bridgerton.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Saviour follows Ben, played by Archie Fisher (Death by Lightning), who, after borrowing his dad’s police uniform for a costume party, gets into an altercation that results in a man’s death.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
The theme this year is costume art.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for costume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costume
Noun
-
The dress was Christian Dior haute couture, according to White House press pool reporting.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The dress was paired with an amethyst and diamond necklace gifted to Queen Victoria and then passed to Queen Mary, the BBC reported.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One was dressed in a prison uniform, wearing a Hegseth mask and red gloves.—
Collin Binkley,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Since the injury, goalie masks changed to include a piece of protection that was attached; the masks now extend to cover a wider portion to ensure that what happened to Malarchuk would not occur again.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Thousands of people clad in red, white and blue waited hours in line to listen to Trump speak.—
Skyler Swisher,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
-
The long hours of immersion in cold water and the strain of swimming fully clothed through turbulent waves toward the tantalizingly near shoreline must have drained the last bit of endurance from him.—
Jim Hoagland,
Outdoor Life,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
Speaking of styling tricks to steal, the foppish ties that almost looked like silk scarves or ribbons at the Yohji Yamamoto show would be a good alternative for women who want some kind of necktie but think a traditional men’s tie reads too costumey.—
Marisa Meltzer,
Vanity Fair,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
As Hyman filmed talking points, the women quietly lifted weights next to a man wearing a Turning Point USA T-shirt and carrying a camouflage National Rifle Assn.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
-
Prince William, whose last visit to RAF Valley was in 2024, wore a camouflage uniform and hat for the occasion.—
Helen Murphy,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Matter—slim, dark-haired, attired in a dark blue zip-up sweater and matinee idol handsome—is a natural entertainer who savored every moment holding a mic.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
29 Mar. 2026
-
They were identically attired, in a dark suit and dark glasses.—
Alexandra Petri,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Perfect for all of your dressy occasions, these wide-leg dress pants are comfortable to wear, thanks to their elastic waistband and loose design.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Per the dress code, no umbrellas are allowed, and guests are recommended to bring clear rain ponchos to shield their colorful, dressy looks from the weather.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Guests arrived to the sprawling location welcomed by greeters in traditional garb on horseback and a female group of traditional singers.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
1 May 2026
-
Tony Elar, 26, and Carol Jaworski, 64, dressed up in military garb from the French and Indian War period.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costume. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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