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
Razooli also starred, edited and made the costumes and props for Riddle of Fire. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026 Varga contributed costumes, props, sets and visual artwork to Gwar, which became infamous beyond the metal world for their grotesque (if good-natured) theatrics, which included disemboweling effigies of religious and political figures onstage. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026 The exhibition features behind-the-scenes photographs of Kirsten Dunst by Andrew Durham, costumes by Milena Canonero, and footage from the documentary Making Marie Antoinette. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026 The costumes are archival Madonna, pulled from her own collection, sending any Gen Z vintage lover into a tizzy. — Sadie Kargman, Allure, 28 Sep. 2026 In it, two extras stand in a large white tent, dressed in designer Milena Canonero’s pastel Oscar-winning costumes, snapping a photo on a digital camera. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026 The rock band, known for its unconventional costumes and intentionally offensive lyrics, was nominated for two Grammys, one in 1993 for Best Long Form Music Video and another in 1996 for Best Metal Performance. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026 Sidibe, who shares her kids with husband Brandon Frankel, said their toddlers have even requested certain costumes. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026 Counsell and Bregman demurred when asked for specifics of who came up with the costumes, instead giving everyone credit for what became a memorable day. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 19 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
  • Canonero created over 70 original dresses for Dunst’s Marie Antoinette alone, and eventually won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design.
    — Marlow Stern, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Jersey tops start at about 400 euros; dresses range from 650 to 1,000 euros; jackets from 1,200 to 1,400 euros, and the most elaborate dresses top 2,000 euros.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • One person at a time, in private, where the masks can come off.
    — Mabel Yiu, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • When people returned in person, masks sometimes made facial communication more difficult.
    — Jeff LeBlanc, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • That is how uninsured crews, unlicensed operators and fly-by-night outfits win jobs.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
  • From 56 percent off combat boots that bring an edgy finish to polished fall outfits to under-$100 sleek walking sneakers that seamlessly transition from cidery visits to cozy dinners, these Vionic deals shouldn’t be missed.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Costumes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costumes. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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