1
as in dresses
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 disguises
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
as in spruces
to make more desirable
dressed up the house with new windows and a paint job before putting it on the market
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in clothes
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 dresses up
With a pointed collar and breezy V-neck, polo sweaters act as a warm layer that instantly dresses up your outfit without a thought.
—
Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Denim Royale features luxe finishes and denim that dresses up without losing authenticity.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
Each year, the museum dresses up in its Halloween décor and presents games, crafts, spooky stories and prizes.
—Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025
Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Denim Royale features luxe finishes and denim that dresses up without losing authenticity.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
Each year, the museum dresses up in its Halloween décor and presents games, crafts, spooky stories and prizes.
—Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dresses up
Verb
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Middleburg also dresses to the nines for the holiday season, with festivities kicking off the first weekend of December during a multiday affair known as Christmas in Middleburg.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
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Back then, she had been advised—free of charge—by stylist Bailey Moon, who dresses the likes of Morgan Spector and Cristin Milioti and is most widely known for having worked with Jill Biden and her family throughout president Joe Biden’s administration.—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vanity Fair,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
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That big picture also disguises some fascinating trends.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
17 Dec. 2025
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To do so, Charlotte disguises him as Leroy.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
8 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Jordan Coleman steps in as Cheyenne Barnes, a bold hairstylist whose confidence masks years of unresolved pain, while Tunde Oyeneyin plays Madison Truitt, a driven entrepreneur navigating success, expectations, and the search for real partnership.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
6 Jan. 2026
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To make a book rather than write one is to assemble something whose external form masks its more flexible potential.—
John Darnielle,
Rolling Stone,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Scientists have long theorized that the icy crust above the ocean conceals evidence of organic compounds and energy sources – the ingredients to life.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
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Bedsure Twin Heated Blanket With a fleece top and faux shearling backing, the blanket’s thick fabric conceals the wires, giving it the feel of a cozy throw rather than a typical heated blanket.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The company typically sweetens the deal by including a free sheet set, a mattress protector and two cooling pillows, which can add up to $599 in value to your purchase.—
Marina Johnson,
IndyStar,
1 Dec. 2025
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Chamomile softens the flame, vanilla sweetens the smoke, and the result is all loving, never strange… a total trance.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In fact, Ross typically hides from no one, usually strolling through the locker room to make his exit.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
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In season 5, episode 2, Karen hides in the tub with her daughter, Holly, while holding her breath to hide from a demogorgon—this scene truly depicts a mother’s unconditional love.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Open year-round during daylight hours, both hotel guests and outside visitors can learn how to handle a bow and arrow practicing on static targets that are set further away as your aim improves.—
Rana Good,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Jan. 2026
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Lemon water also adds flavor, provides vitamin C, improves digestion, and can prevent kidney stones.—
Aubrey Bailey,
Verywell Health,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Her go-to is the Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit, a $35 at-home hair color box that conceals 100 percent of stubborn grays and enhances shine.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
7 Jan. 2026
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The denim industry has found an appreciation for linen and how the fiber enhances and refines what is traditionally considered to be a tough and rugged fabric.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dresses up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dresses%20up. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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