costume 1 of 3

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

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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

Examples 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 movie also inspired many Halloween costumes, with fans dressing as Elisabeth, Sue, or even the body horror monstrosity that emerges as the substance begins causing gnarly side effects. Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 4 Dec. 2024 With her punchy vocal delivery, Fleet lights up her bandmates’ mathy post-punk and charmingly imperfect synths with stories about costume contests, downtrodden characters, and clinging to perseverance. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
The captain of the Disney Treasure is Voyager Minnie, a version of the character that is specially costumed for the cruise ship. Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 20 Nov. 2024 Big Brother can stuff those elf costumes into storage for the foreseeable future. Rebecca Iannucci, TVLine, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Even so, its selection of 70 items, picked by costume collections manager Jessica Pushor in collaboration with some of her museum predecessors, covers quite the yardage. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 31 Oct. 2024 Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in Sydney. Brendon Thorne/Getty Images Bode Aujla, a downtown darling, fashioned Ariana Grande a Glinda in her hip, kitschy image without veering into costume territory. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for costume 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costume
Noun
  • Best Women’s Clothes Deals The women’s section of Everlane’s Black Friday sale is packed with versatile pieces perfect for travel like cozy cardigans, loose-fitting dresses, and easy layers.
    Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2024
  • The first photo featured the television host in a festive fall dress along with husband Henry Chase Hager, 46, and their three children, Mila, 11, Poppy, 9, and Hal, 5.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Briogeo Ultimate Hair Heroes Set $54 $46 Nordstrom Briogeo's Ultimate Hair Heroes Set includes two best-selling hair masks—Scalp Revival and Don't Despair, Repair.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024
  • From gifts for new moms (eye masks, motherhood journals) to foolproof ideas that also make great gifts for all the women in your orbit (beauty goodies to pamper her and food presents to feed her soul), these ideas never miss.
    Shanna Shipin, Glamour, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The playroom, located just beside the main sitting room, is presided over by a mischievous vintage Polish circus poster from Projekt 26 and outfitted with an upholstered sofa nook clad in Josef Frank’s fantastical Vegetable Tree print.
    Katherine Burns Olson, Architectural Digest, 27 Nov. 2024
  • In one video, the heiress — clad head-to-toe in bright pink — could be seen mouthing the words while riding on a mini electric scooter suitcase around a large green Christmas tree filled with pink baubles.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • And Finally… And to leave you on a happy note, check out this incredible camouflage.
    Cate Martel, The Hill, 27 Nov. 2024
  • It is used for dynamic camouflage, communication, thermoregulation, or ultraviolet light protection.
    GrrlScientist, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The lead romantic characters, Simba and Nala, are beautifully attired but unencumbered by masks or puppet costumes.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Masa’s valet Kato-san glided into the room, attired assassin-like in black suit, white shirt and skinny black tie, and offered a pour from an open bottle of Riesling.
    Alok Sama, Fortune Asia, 17 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • Take 40% off these staples—a pair of dressy vegan leather pants that look chic but are surprisingly stretchy and comfortable, as well as a wide-leg corduroy that looks stylish, paired with a blazer and boots.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Dec. 2024
  • There’s no shame in a small to-go plate amongst family! Don’t Expect a Strict Dress Code Everyone has a Southern uncle who will show up in jeans and boots, even at the dressiest of Christmas dinners.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Ellen and Anna’s corseted gowns and bonnets add to the period ambience, as do the men’s suits and fancy waistcoats and the rustic garb of the peasantry.
    David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Dec. 2024
  • The eldest Brady boy decides he's had enough before the family realizes the error in their ways and make the movie in full Pilgrim garb just as Greg wanted.
    Allison Sadlier, EW.com, 26 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The balloons are retired every few years — and although classic characters often return in new guises, like Snoopy and Ronald McDonald, new favorites are added each year.
    Oscar Holland, CNN, 28 Nov. 2024
  • Interestingly, Air Corps Aviation is seeing more warbird examples that had motorsport provenances before being conscripted into military guise now getting a civilian (re-)makeover.
    Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 24 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costume. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

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