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
Beyond the absurdly catchy music and the rom-com story, part of the show’s joyfulness comes from its colorful costumes and beachy aesthetic. Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 For Midsummer this June, traditional festivities celebrating the summer solstice across Europe featured flower crowns, dances around maypoles, and people in embroidered folk costumes. Francesca Perry, Vogue, 29 June 2026 In Petersplatz, in central Basel, seamstresses remained on call throughout the festival to repair the traditional Alpine folk costumes worn by participants in case of emergency. ABC News, 29 June 2026 Their third-ever gig was at Saint Vitus in Brooklyn on Halloween 2019, which inspired Pinkerton to create costumes for the band. Steve Appleford, SPIN, 29 June 2026 Separately, the case of Madonna’s missing costumes after her April 18 performance with Carpenter at Coachella is still open, according to Sergeant Abraham Plato of the Indio Police Department in Indio, Calif. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 Both spent about $500 to $600 creating their costumes. Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2026 Although the costumes may have been the main attraction for everyone around them, the outing carried another layer of significance for the family. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026 By the end of the debate, about 150 men dressed in Indigenous costumes, their faces smeared with soot, stormed to a nearby wharf and dumped a literal boatload of tea into the water. Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 26 June 2026
Verb
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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costumes
Noun
  • In 2021, Jeremy Scott made a series of tailored potato sack dresses for Moschino, woven from a linen blend that resembled burlap.
    Faran Krentcil, InStyle, 1 July 2026
  • Keep a handful near your washing machine or drying rack for blouses, dresses, workout wear, or delicate pieces that should skip the dryer.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • From anti-breakage hair masks to multi-use styling tools, these products are too good to pass up.
    Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 27 June 2026
  • In punishing heat, more people wore masks as the stench of decomposition spread.
    Regina Cano Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Working with sister stylist duo Chloe and Chenelle Delgadillo, Rodrigo has reconstructed her signature looks to feel softer and more grown-up, with outfits drawing from fashion references just as diverse as her musical taste.
    Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • Its glossy fabric and breezy silhouette work for countless occasions — plus, its luxe vibe dresses up outfits without a thought.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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