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
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
Angelique Jackson, Variety, 3 May 2026
Donating jewelry—whether costume or fine pieces—is always welcome at the thrift stores and remains a favorite among shoppers.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 Apr. 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
But four times the talent means four times the finery, which was costume designer Molly Rogers’ challenge.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 3 May 2026
Donating jewelry—whether costume or fine pieces—is always welcome at the thrift stores and remains a favorite among shoppers.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for costume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costume
Noun
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Silk pieces come in relaxed, slinky silhouettes such as slip dresses and matching sets, cashmere silk helps sweaters and knits feel lightweight, cotton cashmere is for all the sporty-chic styles, and stretch linen adds an airy feel.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
10 June 2026
-
This now-$12 dress has a V-neck and a relaxed, breathable fit, which is ideal for warm days.—
Madeline Merinuk,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
Noun
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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
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Use it as a body mask in the shower and step out with super-smooth skin.—
Cheryl Fenton,
Parents,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
Built in 1929, this 37-floor art deco high-rise was designed by the Burnham Brothers and is clad in distinctive black granite, green and gold terra cotta, gold leaf and bronze trim.—
Brian E. Clark,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Aug. 2025
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In it, Carrie spends an awkward weekend with Aidan and his family in Virginia after spontaneously extending what otherwise would have been a day-trip; one scene shows Carrie rustling from sleep fully clothed and totally alone in his bed on her first morning there.—
Nicola Dall'Asen,
Allure,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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
-
Her accessories were kept minimal and echoed the polished nature of her attire.—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
16 June 2026
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All of the ducks don festive attire during holidays and big New England sports events.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
Noun
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Assuming the guise of an embittered and dissolute ex-agent, Leamas is set up to trap Mundt, the deputy director of the East German Intelligence Service, with himself as the bait.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
2 Dec. 2025
-
Meanwhile, Lawrence’s two albums in his latest guise, Mozart Estate—Pop-Up!—
Simon Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
26 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Nina Dobrev attended the Red Sea International Film Festival in a yellow custom Elie Saab gown with a high slit and long train.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
8 Dec. 2025
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Prices range from a Flore Flore tank top for $63 to a Huishan Zhang gown for $4,795, and jewelry by Bent Neale for $25,850, according to Capitol’s website.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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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
-
From paperbag shorts for everyday wear to flowy styles, vacation looks, and dressy trousers that even work for the office, shop our favorite shorts to complete every summer wardrobe—no denim needed.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costume. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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