1
as in to dress
to put on one's best or formal clothes
we always like to dress up when going to parties
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to disguise
to change the dress or looks of so as to conceal true identity
the war was a fiasco that the administration tried to dress up as a triumph
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
4
as in to clothe
to outfit with clothes and especially fine or special clothes
the girls were dressed up in skirts or dresses, but the boys were wearing jeans
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dress up
The 28-year-old went for a monochrome ensemble, dressing up in a black dress paired with calf-length boots.
—
Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 12 Jan. 2026
When sovereignty is confiscated and freedom administered from the outside, when the terms of liberation are dictated, the result is not a democratic transition but a protectorate dressed up in the language of damage control.
—Boris Muñoz, Time, 12 Jan. 2026
Butter, cream, and sour cream are mashed into the potatoes before being dressed up with bacon, scallions, salt, pepper, and lots of cheese.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
The practical purse has a classic look that can be easily dressed up or styled casually, but at $1,090, the designer price tag can be hard to justify.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dress up
Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 12 Jan. 2026
When sovereignty is confiscated and freedom administered from the outside, when the terms of liberation are dictated, the result is not a democratic transition but a protectorate dressed up in the language of damage control.
—Boris Muñoz, Time, 12 Jan. 2026
Butter, cream, and sour cream are mashed into the potatoes before being dressed up with bacon, scallions, salt, pepper, and lots of cheese.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
The practical purse has a classic look that can be easily dressed up or styled casually, but at $1,090, the designer price tag can be hard to justify.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dress up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dress up
Verb
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Wear it like Hathaway with tailored trousers or dress it up with a sleek skirt for a soft, sophisticated look.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Lean into the femininity of the pattern by adding a polka-dot skirt or dress to your mix.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Many Iranians disguise them as solar panels, Ahmadian said.—
David Rising,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Jan. 2026
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The defensiveness disguises the admission that With Heaven on Top does indeed boast a robust production, one teeming with horns and backing vocals, all set to a big beat designed to echo throughout the stadiums Bryan now headlines.—
Stephen Thomas Erlewine,
Pitchfork,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Archery Summit 2023 Chardonnay has aromas of Anjou pear, citrus blossom, and mandarin zest with balanced acidity and flavors of honeydew and cantaloup melons, candied orange peel, and brown baking spices.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
2 Jan. 2026
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As for food, Wilson recommends collard greens, sautéed kale, cabbage and candied yams as other great side pairings for your mac.—
Sara Moniuszko,
USA Today,
27 Dec. 2025
Verb
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From statement kitchen islands clad in marble effect porcelain to entryway floors where guests can keep their shoes on without the guilt, this material delivers practicality and style in several spaces within a home.—
Nomita Vaish-Taylor,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
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In one shot from the campaign, Hailey also sits in a large chest of drawers, painting her toenails while clad in her Victoria's Secret lingerie.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Looking to doll up your collarbones instead?—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
7 Oct. 2025
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The store had to be closed for several days while volunteers set the dolls up for display, and only 25 shoppers could be allowed in at a time for viewing because of the dolls’ values.—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
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It may be masked by his refinement, hidden behind his boyish Christmas-morning smile.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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There was also the ongoing speculation that Chalamet was leading a double life as the cult masked Brit rapper and drill artist EsDeeKid.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Gallagher spent the first week of December sprucing it up, artfully decorating Christmas trees and doing her best to spread holiday cheer to the house's 150 families.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
13 Dec. 2025
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Very few of today’s displays predate the 1990s, with some being renovated over the years to either spruce them up or change their theme.—
Sal Pizarro,
Mercury News,
2 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The tint is sheer and subtle but makes a noticeable difference in evening out skin tone and camouflaging discoloration.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
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Where that’s not possible, garages may be camouflaged in exceptionally creative screening.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dress up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dress%20up. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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