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
These men are supported by Nancy, a woman who dresses up in a nurse’s costume but seems to have no medical training.
—
Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
The performer dresses up in a Bigfoot costume and plays along with electronic music on the saxophone.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026
Of course, it’s made from the brand’s luxurious signature Italian leather, which dresses up any look from the office to the airport.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026
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
Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
The performer dresses up in a Bigfoot costume and plays along with electronic music on the saxophone.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026
Of course, it’s made from the brand’s luxurious signature Italian leather, which dresses up any look from the office to the airport.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dresses up
Verb
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Betty, attempting to paper over her unthinkable loss, dresses Laura in her daughter’s clothes, gives her her daughter’s place at family meals, has her daughter’s bike fixed to Laura’s height.—
Holden Seidlitz,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
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For the uninitiated—and those without this excellent Instagram on your Explore page—the Sciura is a Milanese woman who dresses elegantly and impeccably.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Crafted into undone bends, the style disguises flyaways and limp ends.—
Fiona Embleton,
Glamour,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Shortly after arriving at the home just after midnight, Nelson downloaded a phone app that disguises the phone number of incoming calls.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But Elham, a contentious and fiercely competitive student, suspects that Marjan’s zeal for anglophone culture, including Hollywood romantic comedies, masks a resentment for the Iranian life she is now stuck with.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Apr. 2026
-
That parity masks the significant gains women have recently made in the labor market.—
Andrea Hsu,
NPR,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In fact, Nicky and Morgan’s middle-class respectability conceals an overwhelming existential paralysis.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The unit neatly conceals up to 20 pairs of shoes while keeping them ventilated and organized, with extra space for purses and other accessories.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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From spreading atop toast to dipping strawberries, chocolate-hazelnut spread instantly sweetens and delights.—
Catherine Jessee,
Southern Living,
10 Mar. 2026
-
House Family sweetens the deal with a $7 discount on bottle purchases when guests buy a $7 box of cookies.—
Debby Rice,
Mercury News,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Wall hooks catch sun hats or coats, depending on the season, and the vintage Oushak rug hides stains with its existing patina.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
16 Apr. 2026
-
This party-girl persona hides a tender heart.—
E.R. Pulgar,
Pitchfork,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Adjust the inputs and the output improves.—
Allison Palmer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Apr. 2026
-
One of the easiest ways to revive it is by mixing in fresh compost, which improves both texture and nutrient content.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Segel makes Dan a bitterly perceptive geek, out of his depth but eager to prove himself, while Weaving invests Lisa with a snappishness that only camouflages her pain.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dresses up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dresses%20up. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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