EMBELLISHMENT Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

embellishment

noun

im-ˈbe-lish-mənt

Definition of embellishment

as in ornamentation

something that decorates or beautifies a colorful mobile is just the embellishment that the soon-to-be nursery needs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 When transiting this Earth sign (and its sign of rulership), practical and calculated precision takes precedence over ambiguity and embellishment as a result of passion. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026 Pierre’s work and his eye make plain that no garment, no singular cut or color or embellishment, is distinctly MAGA. — Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026 Bridal pajamas take on many forms—and the best ones, complete with feather embellishments and silky fabrics, are really pretty fabulous. — Lea Donenberg, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026 Moreover, if the item in question has embellishments or beading, finding someone qualified to properly repair the item can be difficult or time-consuming. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embellishment

Recent Examples of Synonyms for embellishment

Noun

The rhinestone ornamentation doubled as a girly and whimsical photo-op.

— Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Clad in pine paneling, the cabins go light on ornamentation, instead emphasizing the surrounding landscape.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

Definition of ornamentation

Noun

The backlash is usually predictable, every wave of visible mobility aid use brings accusations of exaggeration and attention-seeking, aimed almost entirely at young women.

— Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Distracting from real issues These conspiracy theories are more than exaggerations for a broader audience.

— Aaron Coy Moulton, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of exaggeration

Noun

So are the Catholic lawn ornaments and gardens sprouting eggplants and figs.

— Rachel Corbett, Curbed, 31 Aug. 2026
Naomi, who was born to a Haitian father and a Japanese mother, wore a Nike kit beneath its layers and completed her look with a traditional kanzashi hair ornament and Mikimoto jewelry.

— Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of ornament

Noun

King managed to take the suffocating history of the Indian — the treaties, the massacres, the Hollywood caricatures — and turn it into something conversational, even funny.

— Tommy Orange, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Retailer Target pulled a children’s Halloween costume from its shelves Monday after widespread social media backlash, apologizing for selling a garment critics said evoked racist minstrel caricatures.

— Nancy Jiang, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of caricature

Noun

Dinosaur decorations plastered the area and shelves carried books like Pikachu’s First Friends, referring to the iconic yellow Pokémon character.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 30 Aug. 2026
Plenty of cat decorations are also seen alongside his wife’s work, such as trinkets in the office and pillows in one of the bedrooms.

— Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of decoration

Noun

The ‘90s fashion legend shared a photo dump of her wearing a plunging white one-piece bikini that was covered in subtle eyelet embroidery.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026
If football isn't your thing, don't miss the brand's collab with Abbode, a super-cute collection of totes, button-down shirts and more featuring New York City-centric embroidery throughout.

— Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of embroidery

Noun

The primary consideration governing watches, jewelry and other personal adornment is player safety.

— Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
The adornments will include traditional dress, crafts, pottery, baskets, blankets, posters or anything the decorators choose to show off about their heritage.

— Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of adornment

Noun

Kia's base model can feel a bit barebones, but upper trims feature plenty of creature comforts and tech enhancements that improve its driving and ownership experience.

— Keith Laing, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
At the event, before Rothenberg triumphantly clarinet-riffed with recordings of sperm whales and humpbacks, Joe Valle, of Nonhuman Teachers, interviewed Nollman, with career-retrospective audiovisual enhancement.

— Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of enhancement

Browse Nearby Words

embellishing

embellishment

embellishments

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“Embellishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embellishment. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of embellishment

noun

Example Sentences

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