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
Kardashian gave fans a glance at the costumes from multiple angles, including photos of the two sitting on a sofa and standing behind a black screen. Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025 Despite an official ban on celebrating Halloween, thousands of Tehranis, including many unveiled women, donned costumes last week. Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025 Hawley and a team of craftspeople worked across the globe embroidering, aging and tinting the costumes for the film. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025 There are no birth announcements for my mother or her sister, but there are pictures of them in cowboy costumes at a photo studio sometime in the mid 1950s. Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025 Disneyland’s Fantasyland Theatre will host craft-making, sing-alongs and photo opportunities with characters in seasonal costumes. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 6 Nov. 2025 Kids and adults can have a fun time dressing up and making costumes from scratch. Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025 Supporters say the inflatable costumes draw attention without violence. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025 There were people in puffy animal costumes dancing on the sidewalk and waving signs as motorists drove by, honking in support. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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 Walmart also has both Glinda and Elphaba costumes at around $60 each depending on size. Melina Khan, Freep.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costumes
Noun
  • This popular necklace style is the pinnacle of any jewelry collection and a versatile and timeless design that pairs well with anything from the ultra-casual athleisure looks to formal dresses and pantsuits.
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Bodysuits, oversize blazers worn as dresses, and sheer fabrics that reveal the lingerie underneath are all common sights.
    Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • White noise machines and humidifiers are frequently available, along with extra blankets, air purifiers, and blackout curtains or sleep masks.
    Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Relatives and friends of inmates, however, regularly tip off journalists to unreported outbreaks, and shortages of soap, gloves and masks.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The Bagail 6-piece Compression Packing Cube Set is just $19 and a game-changer for squeezing extra outfits into a carry-on.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The must-have layer for casual outfits and cozy nights at home just got an upgrade with the brand’s cashmere version.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Costumes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costumes. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

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