costumes 1 of 2

Definition of costumesnext
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 skater, who partners with Anthony Ponomarenko, hopped her flight to Italy without her costumes due to a mix-up with shipping, causing much stress and anxiety for her and McKinnon approximately one week out from the start of the Winter Games. Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026 Should stylists raid the closets of every season’s costumes of Downton Abbey? Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026 After receiving some costumes as a donation, the next idea would be to host a Halloween costume drive for the month of October. Samantha Laurey, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 30 Jan. 2026 Visitors can see authentic movie props, costumes worn by actors and re-creations of iconic scenes and settings. Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026 Lipa and Jenner’s looks are far from your typical mob-wife costumes. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026 Behind one basket, three students in banana costumes urged the Owls to play defense and tried to distract Hilltoppers free-throw shooters. Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 29 Jan. 2026 The show’s beating heart is Cumming, who peacocks across the Scottish Highlands in ostentatious costumes while delivering one game show twist after the next. Jonathan Borge, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026 But because that happened, it was somewhat limited in scope with not very many songs, emotes or edit styles, given how many costumes the group wears in the film. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
In it, Oldham costumes up as a shaggy woodland monster, which—after a more nimble inhabitant seemingly swaps into the outfit—proceeds to engage a human in an elaborate dance routine. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 Jan. 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costumes
Noun
  • Look no further than this savory oatmeal recipe, which takes a classic sweet breakfast staple and dresses it up with sesame oil, quinoa, and a jammy egg.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026
  • It is featured on skirts, blouses and more dresses with various cuts and silhouettes, demonstrating the unique design’s versatility and statement-making appeal.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Democrats want to add accountability measures to immigration enforcement and require body cameras and end the use of masks by agents.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The results will show young women who look an awful lot like circus clowns, with faces hidden under layers of masks, gels, serums, and even face tape.
    Jana Pollack, Parents, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Jane Fonda’s courtside look proves that the best outfits are built on pieces that do the work for you.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Best Clothing Deals Airport outfits just got a glow-up.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Costumes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costumes. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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