1
as in dresses
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 masks
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 clothes
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
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 costumes
Leena Tailor, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
Celebrities flaunt their singing abilities while disguised in increasingly elaborate costumes and masks.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
After a script is uploaded, the system analyzes characters, scenes and locations, noting props and costumes.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026
Adriana Lambarri’s costumes skillfully replicate the actor’s garb in the film while composer/sound designer Jazer Sibley-Schwartz channels at the outset a knowing nod to John Williams’ indelible, two-note cadence of menacing notes announcing the shark’s arrival.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026
Around 400 people attended, with children dressing in their favorite costumes while enjoying rounds of bowling, music, games, pizza, s’mores and ice cream.
—Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
Rows and rows of women, some dressed in homemade period costumes, packed a movie theater at Lincoln Center.
—Ellie Austin, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
Packaged in cosplay costumes — cowgirl, soldier, even firefighter and pilot — we were supposed to see her as strong.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
What to Expect at Studio 54 The Broadway revival is set to bring fans’ fond memories to life again, with extravagant costumes, polished choreography, and modern production design amplifying the show’s signature camp.
—Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026
Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 Jan. 2026
The room houses costumes for performances for the entire year, and there are about 40 years of costumes in the room.
—Najahe Sherman, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025
The company brought its famous mascot — the beloved Morton Salt Girl, who every year inspires who knows how many Halloween costumes.
—Kansas City Star, 13 Nov. 2025
Those costumes from the original Broadway production, including the Schuyler sisters’ winter ball gowns, Hamilton, Jefferson and Burr’s suits, as well as King George’s outfit, are all featured among the exhibit, too.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
Here are five tips for creating last-minute DIY KPop Demon Hunters Halloween costumes.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Party City Halloween costumes 2025 Customers can shop for the family or office party in a few clicks and have orders delivered through DoorDash.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 22 Oct. 2025
See Halloween costumes through the decades.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 17 Oct. 2025
These Halloween costumes for kids are all under $45.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
As a little girl, Alexa Ray Joel would slip into costumes handed over by supermodel mom Christie Brinkley, then prance around performing Disney musicals like Aladdin and The Little Mermaid.
—Leena Tailor, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
Celebrities flaunt their singing abilities while disguised in increasingly elaborate costumes and masks.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
After a script is uploaded, the system analyzes characters, scenes and locations, noting props and costumes.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026
Adriana Lambarri’s costumes skillfully replicate the actor’s garb in the film while composer/sound designer Jazer Sibley-Schwartz channels at the outset a knowing nod to John Williams’ indelible, two-note cadence of menacing notes announcing the shark’s arrival.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026
Around 400 people attended, with children dressing in their favorite costumes while enjoying rounds of bowling, music, games, pizza, s’mores and ice cream.
—Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
Rows and rows of women, some dressed in homemade period costumes, packed a movie theater at Lincoln Center.
—Ellie Austin, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
Packaged in cosplay costumes — cowgirl, soldier, even firefighter and pilot — we were supposed to see her as strong.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
What to Expect at Studio 54 The Broadway revival is set to bring fans’ fond memories to life again, with extravagant costumes, polished choreography, and modern production design amplifying the show’s signature camp.
—Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
In it, Oldham costumes up as a shaggy woodland monster, which—after a more nimble inhabitant seemingly swaps into the outfit—proceeds to engage a human in an elaborate dance routine.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 Jan. 2026
The room houses costumes for performances for the entire year, and there are about 40 years of costumes in the room.
—Najahe Sherman, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025
The company brought its famous mascot — the beloved Morton Salt Girl, who every year inspires who knows how many Halloween costumes.
—Kansas City Star, 13 Nov. 2025
Those costumes from the original Broadway production, including the Schuyler sisters’ winter ball gowns, Hamilton, Jefferson and Burr’s suits, as well as King George’s outfit, are all featured among the exhibit, too.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
Here are five tips for creating last-minute DIY KPop Demon Hunters Halloween costumes.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Party City Halloween costumes 2025 Customers can shop for the family or office party in a few clicks and have orders delivered through DoorDash.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 22 Oct. 2025
See Halloween costumes through the decades.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 17 Oct. 2025
These Halloween costumes for kids are all under $45.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 1 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costumes
Noun
-
Think breezy maxi dresses, roomy tote bags for beach days, and comfortable shoes like espadrilles that pair effortlessly with nearly every travel outfit in your suitcase.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Finding comfortable, stylish spring dresses is the ultimate style hack for busy moms as temps start to warm up.—
Jacquelyn Smith,
Parents,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Shampoos, conditioners and masks designed to enhance volume and strengthen strands.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
14 Mar. 2026
-
These masks will provide a fun pop of color in their baskets for Easter morning, along with hydrated skin upon application.—
Chaunie Brusie,
Parents,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The menswear collection here is sporty with Gucci-esque matching outfits and dressy shirts emblazoned with lions.—
Lilliam Rivera,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
-
That brings up the question of where to shop for cute spring outfits without burning a hole through your wallet.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Costumes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costumes. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
