costumes 1 of 2

plural of costume
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

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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

costumes

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of costume

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
Noun
The memorable costumes, codified in fashion history halls, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and their influence on modern fashion are the unmistakable legacy of Mackie, who died at age 87. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026 After seeing Gaynor’s Vegas extravaganza, Burnett recruited Mackie to design the costumes for The Carol Burnett Show. Maureen Lee Lenker, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026 Pro-wrestling is theatrically staged, and costumes are a huge part of the storyline. Tanya Fevzi, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026 Greengrass uses costumes to mark the division between court and country. Jp Mangalindan, Time, 11 Sep. 2026 What an exciting opportunity to make the finale pop by putting everyone in fun costumes. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026 His observation came a few years before alternate costumes became commonplace across the industry, appearing in games ranging from Mario Kart to indie productions like South of Midnight. Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2026 Some will be suspects and given information for their role and costumes. Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Sep. 2026 Boardrooms filled with people other than just white men often make better decisions about advertising copy and Halloween costumes. Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
The night also saw modern iterations of court costumes from the 17th and 18th centuries. R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Seven days of building both the Ice King and Charlie the Unicorn costumes with much trial and error have culminated in her decision to go as the Ice King for the first day of San Diego Comic-Con. Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 24 July 2026 Stewart recounted New York’s enthusiastic reaction to the Knicks winning, including the appearance of multiple Spider-Man costumes, a dancing MTA bus driver, and a drum line. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2026 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 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costumes
Noun
  • The Legacy rendition has comfy mid-20th century furniture, business suits for the men and groovy dresses for the friendly female neighbors, The Pigeon Sisters.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Reese said that vibrant, fit-and-flare dresses are a signature for the brand.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The company does topical political protest shows using music, acting, masks, puppets and community spirit.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Matching silk sleep masks help block out light, and silk bonnets are designed to help protect hair from breakage and frizz while locking in natural oils.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • However, Copelli took some liberties with the costuming as the outfits had to be breathable given the outdoor environment and allow for the free flowing movement of dancers.
    Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The sounds of steel drums and the vibrant feathers and beaded outfits will return next month for Miami Broward Carnival in South Florida.
    Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Costumes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costumes. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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