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 sheriff's office shared photos of the couple, who were wearing matching dinosaur costumes, in custody. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026 Juliza Jimenez, 21, of Yorkville and her sister Juliana, 14, both underwent the lengthy spray body-painting process and wore the colorful costumes Sunday. — Rick West, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026 One mass shooting in California occurred as people went to get last-minute costumes at Spirit Halloween, leaving a pregnant woman dead and sending people scrambling for cover. — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026 The Ahmanson’s work pairs sumptuous costumes, storybook scenery and robust singing with broad, disconnected acting that leaves the musical’s romantic transformation emotionally unconvincing. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026 According to prosthetics designer Mike Marino, who frequently works with Klum on her costumes, a lot goes into bringing these costumes to life. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 1 Nov. 2026 Dolly Parton was another popular choice, with several attendees channeling the country music legend in elaborate costumes. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2026 The House of Ithaca’s color theme was burned red, which was reflected in Penelope’s costumes throughout the film. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 1 Nov. 2026 Again, these can be seamlessly slotted into consumers’ occasion dressing in a manner that typical costumes cannot. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
On November 2, Perry shared a rare glimpse of Daisy’s long blonde hair, which was streaked with hot pink, while twinning with her in matching Hello Kitty Halloween costumes. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 7 Nov. 2026 But Halloween bash or not, the best Heidi Klum Halloween costumes over the years are truly showstopping. — Lynsey Eidell, Glamour, 26 Oct. 2026 The finale began with part one of the three-part Head of Household competition, as the finalists were forced to hold on to a kite for as long as possible while dressed in some ridiculous Ben Franklin costumes. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costumes
Noun
  • And then opening her wardrobe to find knitted scarves, balaclavas, little dresses and warm pieces designed to accompany you through the winter.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Labels like Ralph Lauren showed gold pleated slip dresses, while Dolce & Gabbana went all in on 1980s maximalism with its chunky gold accessories.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 10 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Mayor Cherelle Parker signed six measures on May 7 and allowed a seventh concerning masks and identification to become law without her signature.
    — Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Audience members are invited to wear white clothing and white masks, and the procession closes with a fellowship meal at Ocean Bay Beach.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Charlotte’s appeal to corporate outfits looking to relocate helped boost jobs in the area in 2025.
    — Eva Flowe November 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Out of all her post-pilates outfits, though, this black leggings and white Nike Air Max combo stands out for blending the chunky sneaker trend with good old-fashioned athleisure.
    — Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 12 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Costumes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costumes. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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