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
There was a corn shucking contest, elote corn bites at concession stands and fans decked out in corn costumes or hats. Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026 On the production and technical sides, the show was recognized for editing, sound mixing, casting, costumes, and Whitaker’s cinematography. Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Outlandish costumes Binface is just one in a long line of satirical candidates dating back more than six decades, who have become a unique staple of British elections. Reagan Yip, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 Erin Orr who did the costumes and production designer Dan Maughiman, as well. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026 Other draws are photo opportunities with Disney characters in Halloween costumes. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026 Some of the players might don dapper period costumes, depending on the August weather. Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 Both contestants have since apologized for wearing the costumes, and Miss Universe Canada released a statement addressing the incident. Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 LARPing, or live-action role-playing, might conjure up visions of Dungeons & Dragons costumes and renaissance fairs. Rachel Hale, USA Today, 10 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
  • Attendees pulled out classic blue jeans throughout the five-day event, styling them with pieces as basic as hoodies and bomber jackets to layering them under sheer lace dresses.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Nightie dresses also act as the ultimate transitional wardrobe essential.
    Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Five hours later, when the psilocybin began to wear off, the vets removed their eye masks and found the heat of the afternoon sun.
    Anderson Cooper, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • For a next-level project, wrap strips around cardboard or Styrofoam to make dolls or masks.
    Michelle Crouch, Parents, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • There was a costume parade featuring 38 corgis in diverse outfits including a dinosaur suit, a dress and doggy sports gear.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Cristiano’s custom light beige cotton suit and custom loafers and the children’s matching outfits are due to arrive the following day.
    Gaby Wood, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Costumes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costumes. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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