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
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of costume
Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
As a procession of firefighters and first responders delivered Kilduff and his family to the West Roxbury Church, members of the community stood along the route in the rain, including a little boy in a firefighter’s costume.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 1 June 2026
Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
To make that medicine go down easier, RAYE costumes her fatalism in a baroque maximalism.
—Boutayna Chokrane, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026
Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 Apr. 2026
There are also costume sketches, props and behind-the-scenes looks.
—Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for costume
Noun
Expect elaborate parades, nonstop samba and vibrant costumes crafted by local samba schools in a massive showcase of Brazilian culture.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
As a procession of firefighters and first responders delivered Kilduff and his family to the West Roxbury Church, members of the community stood along the route in the rain, including a little boy in a firefighter’s costume.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 1 June 2026
Verb
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
To make that medicine go down easier, RAYE costumes her fatalism in a baroque maximalism.
—Boutayna Chokrane, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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
There are also costume sketches, props and behind-the-scenes looks.
—Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for costume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costume
Noun
-
His shirt reeked of the flowery-formaldehyde tartness of mothballs pickling dress pockets in a closet.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
Katara dresses as this figure from folklore to help immigrants going through tough times.—
Entertainment Weekly,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
But there are so many other travel accessories that can make a flight feel more restful or indulgent, including a silk sleep mask, a comfortable neck pillow, or a phone stand.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
6 June 2026
-
Of the 40,000 shoppers who have bought the mask in the last month, tons of reviewers rave about the firm, supple results the mask provides.—
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
After a sweet introduction from longtime friend and storied industry producer/musician Don Was, who talked about late-night visits to a Nashville Shoney's with the country icon, a humble Brooks, clad in his usual uniform of jeans and cowboy hat, walked the small stage holding a microphone.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
-
The brilliant reds and gold of the willows and poplars and the bright yellows and pale greens of frostbitten underbrush stood out against the backdrop of the mountain slopes, which were clad in the darker green of spruce and pine and topped with a fall of snow from the last few nights.—
Anton Money,
Outdoor Life,
4 June 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
-
The military used beeswax to waterproof canvas tents and rucksacks, use in sunscreen and camouflage, and wax and coat planes to reduce drag and save money on fuel.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 May 2026
-
The 28-year-old American actor was out and about in Los Angeles sporting the athletic brand’s classic sneaker style with camouflage cargo shorts and a red top layered over a white long sleeve.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Always elegantly attired, always thirsty, never drunk.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
The open concept and casually attired employees bear a resemblance to countless other start-ups.—
Lucien Bruggeman,
ABC News,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
The linen material creates a flowy silhouette that’s easy to style down for casual wear, while the pleated details pair nicely with a blouse, blazer, or matching linen top for a dressier look.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
2 June 2026
-
This luxurious midi is the ideal balance of dressy and effortless, thanks to its body-skimming bias cut, crew neckline, and thick, bra-friendly straps.—
Natalie LaBarbera,
InStyle,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
The 30-year-old Delaware native wears 18th-century garb while playing a crucial role in helping visitors understand how the state shaped the nation’s founding.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
Everyone is dressed in powdered wigs and the garb of the Revolutionary War era.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
5 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costume. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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