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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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 Rooms Standard rooms are classic in look and feel with dark wood furniture and neutral fabrics, yet appointed with modern embellishments such as universal outlets and bedside light controls. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026 The smoothness of Knock Knock echoes through the rolling mid-tempo grooves of Stiltz’s unshowy arrangements, featuring drifting pedal steel from Theo Stocks and tasteful embellishments from Ana Roxanne on piano and vocals. — Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026 The country music legend’s love for towering heels with sparkling embellishments and unapologetically feminine glamour became as recognizable as her voice over the years. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Maximalism made its comeback, as embellishments, graphic tees and structured bras dominated many of the buzziest offerings, pushing past seasons’ minimalist tilt to the wayside. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 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
  • The cotton canvas jacket offers a very simple silhouette with little to no ornamentation—perfect for a minimalist wardrobe.
    — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 29 Oct. 2026
  • City train stations were filled with decorative ornamentation, public art and monuments, and other luxurious touches.
    — James Folta, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of ornamentation
Noun
  • The students maintain that the conversations consisted largely of deliberately provocative jokes, internet memes and political exaggerations that were never intended as genuine threats.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Maybe not laugh-out-loud humor, though that’s there, but other forms of humor like wit, deadpan, understatement, exaggeration, recognition, irony.
    — Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of exaggeration
Noun
  • It’s made from wood and comes with the calendar, which is filled with 24 ornaments to add a new one to the branches each day.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Scarabs, serpents, vultures, lunar ornaments, ancient gods like Horus and Anubis carved from gold and lapis lazuli—all strategically placed on various points along the body.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of ornament
Noun
  • But on that score, too, Jackson tries to soften the caricature of the billionaire executive.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • What is acceptable in today’s society is the Real Housewives franchise, where all of these things kind of play out, but almost in caricature.
    — Raymond Ang, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of caricature
Noun
  • October decorations and costumes that once cost only a minimal investment have skyrocketed in-season.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • From time-saving kitchen gadgets and food warmers to festive serving platters, Thanksgiving table decorations and clever ways to store leftovers, there are plenty of products that can help make the holiday feel a little less stressful.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of decoration
Noun
  • In another effort to pay homage to her heritage, Osaka’s Wimbledon attire was a ceremonial Japanese dress with billowing long sleeves, ornate embroidery and a ruffled skirt.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The embroidery follows Apple’s use of stop-motion animation campaigns for the Mac mini and Apple Games, which also followed the route of showing the humans at work behind the animation.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of embroidery
Noun
  • The black mesh gown swept the floor and featured a plunging V-neck bodice and pink crystallized adornments throughout, offering the musician a modicum of modesty in specific areas.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The six-story lobby goes all out with adornment and craftsmanship.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of adornment
Noun
  • By adjusting the distance between the tips, the team could stretch or compress the molecular structure, changing the voltage at which the current enhancement began.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • In some of the advertisements during this election cycle, AI was used for aesthetic enhancements, such as improving image quality or dramatizing events in the candidate’s life.
    — Anagilmara Vílchez, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of enhancement

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embellishing
embellishment
embellishments
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Cite this Entry

“Embellishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embellishment. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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