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
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 Inside, visitors will find a significant slice of Lucas’ private collection, amassed over five decades and spanning art, costumes, movie props and memorabilia, with more than 1,300 objects currently displayed across 30 galleries. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026 And yes, there’s a lot of pulling faces and funny jokes and shiny costumes, but not much technique. Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026 Others are already planning their Daejon Love Halloween costumes, with Love's iconic gold 49ers helmet as the central piece. Owen Carry, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Planet of the Apes, meanwhile, earned makeup artist John Chambers an honorary Oscar that year and was also nominated for its costumes and score. Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026 During intermission, the audience stays in their seats and the actors on stage, as the crew clean up the fake blood and discarded costumes and the performers remove the chalk from their faces. Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 All your messages and your costumes and your wardrobe and makeup is just so beautiful. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026 Rodrigo Teaser of Brazil portrays Michael Jackson in this tribute concert with choreography, costumes and more. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 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
  • On a network where women once seemed to have a uniform of bright sheath dresses, Jessica Tarlov is wearing sneakers.
    Wendy Naugle, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Both wore Christian Louboutin heels covered in crystals, per WWD, along with body-hugging, ankle-length dresses.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 8 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
  • For hours each workday, Peter suits up in wilderness outfits and Disney vests, greeting guests while getting a peek behind the rides.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • These cherry red sneakers will pop against wardrobe basics, making simple outfits a little more exciting.
    Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 6 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Costumes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costumes. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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