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
Relevance
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
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
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
Eva Andersen, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
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
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
In January 2025, Jackson was elected costume chairman of the Ferko String Band — a role overseeing the design and development of the band's elaborate parade costumes.
—Eva Andersen, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for costume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costume
Noun
-
This midi-length dress features a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette that works well on an assortment of different body types.—
Staff Author,
Southern Living,
6 May 2026
-
Princess Eugenie, 36, wore a cream jacket over a black maxi dress that highlighted her growing baby bump, finishing the look with sunglasses, a black bag and sneakers.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
But by December, as the holidays approached, the Clarks welcomed shoppers who, despite the rules requiring masks, gloves, social distancing and a plexiglass cover at the register up front, happily chose food and gifts to bring home.—
Emily M. Olson,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
-
One extra set of clothes, an overnight bag, chargers, a passport, the super universal converter, and an eye mask.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
The musician proved yet again her prowess for making even the most outlandish of outfits seem suddenly downright wearable yesterday in Venice, where she DJed at the Biennale, clad in look 80 from the fall 2026 Bottega Veneta collection by Louise Trotter.—
Max Berlinger,
Vogue,
8 May 2026
-
There are 45 rooms beside and above the spa, all clad in Byzantine colours of muted gold and deep red.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 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
-
Berry, wearing camouflage, was last seen near River Trace Road.—
Rebecca Cohen,
NBC news,
6 May 2026
-
He was captured by a trail camera wearing camouflage clothing, the sheriff's office said.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Today he’s attired in a gray hoodie over a white T-shirt.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
-
The mostly female attendees range from 30 years old to over 70 and are attired in outfits including cutoffs, tank tops, straw fedoras and glamorous full-length dresses.—
Paula L. Woods,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 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
-
Evening programs were introduced by a man in a tuxedo, or a woman in equally formal garb, and rounded off by the playing of the national anthem.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costume. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
