embellishment

noun

im-ˈbe-lish-mənt How to pronounce embellishment (audio)
Definition of embellishmentnext
1
as in ornamentation
something that decorates or beautifies a colorful mobile is just the embellishment that the soon-to-be nursery needs

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in exaggeration
the representation of something in terms that go beyond the facts the actor's penchant for embellishment suggests that his memoirs would be more appropriately shelved in the fiction section

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 embellishment Once a thriving center of Afghan architecture and royal grandeur, Mandu's palaces and mosques now stand frozen in time, their intricate designs and artistic embellishments weathered by centuries of abandonment. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026 Twenty years later, in the 2026 playoffs, Crosby’s embellishment of a Garnet Hathaway high stick in a game in Philadelphia was one of the more memorable moments of that series. — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 25 July 2026 The neckline featured sculptural, jewel-like metal embellishments. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 17 July 2026 Later, Paige also changed into a custom backless Carolina Herrera dress with an oversized bow embellishment. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for embellishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embellishment
  1. ornamentation
  2. exaggeration
  3. ornament
  4. caricature
  5. decoration
  6. embroidery
  7. adornment
  8. enhancement
Noun
  • Clad in pine paneling, the cabins go light on ornamentation, instead emphasizing the surrounding landscape.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Master model designer Milan Madge incorporated metallic gold elements and raised textures to capture the original's rich ornamentation and depth.
    — Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of ornamentation
Noun
  • In her Tinker Bell costume, Ashley seems as thirsty for a peach as Shamea is, reveling in the opportunity to tell her side of the story but obviously sprinkling her own fairy dust of exaggeration into the narrative.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • Art to me is a way to find beauty behind the lies and exaggerations.
    — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of exaggeration
Noun
  • The giant, 10,000-pound mammals provided meat, fat, hide, and bones for building structures, as well as ivory for tools, art, and ornaments.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 July 2026
  • Liberty was founded by Arthur Lasenby Liberty in 1875 and has always been a vast curiosity shop selling ornaments, fabrics, furniture and art from around the world.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 July 2026
Definition of ornament
Noun
  • Absolutely is still Abby, but an exaggerated, almost caricature of Abby, rather than a separate thing.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 30 July 2026
  • The assemblage turned the damaging caricature into a revolutionary hero, and made Saar a star of the Black Arts movement.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026
Definition of caricature
Noun
  • An oil lamp, like the one that Rebecca kept in her room as decoration, illuminated the Devil, who wore dark slacks and a dark vest, an impeccable white shirt.
    — Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The Grinch and the Cat in the Hat are evergreen in their relevance in pop culture, memes, Halloween costumes and holiday decorations.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of decoration
Noun
  • New Delhi — For decades, India was relegated to fashion’s backyard, with its embroidery and garment export houses manufacturing everything from ready-to-wear to couture for the world’s biggest luxury brands.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • Buyers can coordinate leather with a favorite briefcase, handbag or personal color reference, specify contrasting piping and request custom embroidery.
    — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of embroidery
Noun
  • The look was completed with custom boots with a slouchy shaft and buckle adornments from vegan Korean accessories brand Stand Oil.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
  • The Fantastic Four star slipped into a brown string bikini with a gold sun adornment on the strapless top for their romantic beach day.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026
Definition of adornment
Noun
  • Wells asked the court to impose a sentencing enhancement that increased Kendall’s punishment to 50 years to life.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Wells argued for a sentence enhancement, and at the hearing on July 31, Kendall was sentenced to two consecutive sentences of 25 years to life.
    — Eleanor Jacobs, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of enhancement

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embellishment
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Cite this Entry

“Embellishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embellishment. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on embellishment

Nglish: Translation of embellishment for Spanish Speakers

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