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
Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026
Luhrmann teamed up with Oscar-winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin on the design.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 May 2026
Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
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
Meg Walters, InStyle, 13 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for costume
Noun
Debbie Richardson’s costume design is similarly understated.
—Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026
Luhrmann teamed up with Oscar-winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin on the design.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 May 2026
Verb
It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
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
Adjective
In a new Instagram post, costume designer Mona May shared a behind-the-scenes photo posing with the couple at a screeing of Chalamet's film Marty Supreme.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 13 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for costume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costume
Noun
-
The singer Sam Smith, in a black cape dress, stood still as an aide held a portable fan up to their head, which supported a large black feather.—
Jane Bua,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
-
People are mostly casual in shorts, sandals, vests, and tees at breakfast, but are more done-up at night in dresses, shirts, and trousers for 1818, the rooftop bar.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Assessment in the Canary Islands The passengers were seen wearing blue protective clothing and masks aboard smaller boats transporting them from the cruise ship to shore.—
Chris Boyette,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
-
The mask is also designed to sit around the eyes rather than press on them.—
Karthika Gupta,
Travel + Leisure,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
The signature Four Seasons bed is there, clad in sumptuous white linens, and even the rooms have plenty of seating areas and ample closet space.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
Lou’s muscular body is always clad in unironed clothes.—
Sophie Monks Kaufman,
IndieWire,
16 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
-
These animals are relatives of seahorses and known for their remarkable camouflage—likely the evolutionary function of the new species’ dramatic look.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
15 May 2026
-
The new goalkeeper kit is an all-black affair, featuring a crew neck instead of a collar and camouflage detailing on the sleeves and shorts.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
15 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
-
The duo abided by the restaurant's dress code, which requests that customers wear business casual or dressy evening wear, per the website.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
-
Not the dressy kind, but more like a luxury version of a Dickies get-up.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
5 May 2026
Noun
-
Kuo showed off her ice-queen garb and noticed a friend in the corner.—
Jane Bua,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
-
Chkhikvishvili, a Georgian national, appeared in green prison garb and fought back tears as his sentence was handed down.—
Chloe Atkins,
NBC news,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costume. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
