costume 1 of 3

1
as in clothes
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

costume

2 of 3

verb

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 panel conversations will include actors, casting directors, cinematographers, composers, costume designers, directors, editors, hair stylists, makeup artists, producers, production designers, prosthetics designers, visual effects producers, and writers. The Deadline Team, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025 The many costume changes resulted in a lengthier shoot than usual. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
For the first time, fans can get up close to huge numbers of Bowie's treasures, from his groundbreaking costumes to his favourite instruments. Robbie Griffiths, NPR, 13 Sep. 2025 Some noted that a Halloween costume worn by Robinson closely resembled a Groyer mascot, and that the Bella Ciao song appeared on a recent public Groyper playlist. Richard Hall, Time, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The family-friendly version of Vail — featuring ski-through attractions like the Dragon’s Breath Mine and costumed characters like Jackrabbit Joe and Sourdough Pete — debuted soon after. Greg Glasgow, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2025 Additionally, these two key innovators are deeply committed to showcasing their limitless potential through garb and costuming. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for costume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costume
Noun
  • Maple and Francesca each opted for dresses, with the former donning a semi-sheer black number and the latter choosing a silky brown slip dress matching her father's color palette.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Another look worn by the YouTuber includes a unique jersey polo mini dress priced at $139 paired with the Good Ease leopard jeans, which retail for $188.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And when the hydration from masks, oils, and butters isn’t cutting it, there’s steaming, something curly hair girls already know very well, says Kiana Rae Brown, a curly hair specialist and owner of West Coast Curls Salon in Los Angeles.
    Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Hortman and her husband, Mark, were allegedly assassinated by Vance Boelter, who dressed as a police officer with a realistic silicone mask, at their home in the early hours of June 14.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Designed by Foster + Partners, the restaurant is striking, clad entirely in rare white onyx across the floors, walls, and tables.
    Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The exterior is clad in wood and topped with a metal roof.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • He’s been known to use low folding screens as camouflage for radiators, and all sizes as room dividers—a trick Wilson employs as well.
    Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The containerized system also supports camouflage and concealment in contested environments.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The authors propose a new model that places attire alongside the face, body, context and viewer traits, revealing that dress influences judgments of social identity, mental state, status and aesthetic taste.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The trio are decked out in Kansas City Chiefs attire in support of the star tight end's team.
    Sarah Jones, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But this time, Singer has gone down in size with an unusual gloss lacquer departure imbued with a dressy twist.
    Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The cardigan is versatile for casual and dressy occasions alike.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • So, what are the odds of Eli in Mike Ditka garb (sweater vest, mustache and glasses, of course)?
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Like the French in their pre-WWII garb last season, all the Spaniards appear to wear clothing from another era entirely (see above image).
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • All this reintroduces the problem of arbitrary outcomes, in a different guise.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Unfortunately a recent deep fake has come in the guise of a friend.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costume. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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