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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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 His father was a distinguished public radio broadcaster, and so Ruben knew how to deliver breaking news without sensationalism or embellishment. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 13 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 Key Takeaways Delicate fabrics like lace or sequins can tear or lose embellishments in the washer. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 29 July 2026 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 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
  • 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
  • The first offerings will include pieces inspired by Byzantine artworks including imperial medallions, architectural ornaments, and statuary.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to his ornament, Hynes is also gearing up for the release of his 2026 Countdown to Christmas movie The Nights Before Christmas, which was inspired in part by the actor’s love of Groundhog Day and the Back to the Future trilogy.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of ornament
Noun
  • At the same time, neither Marija nor Vytas is ever reduced to a caricature.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026
  • She’s given a worthy avatar in Mason, who brings an appropriately surreal understanding to the goings-on in Effie’s life, but never turns Effie into a caricature.
    — Charles Lewis III, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of caricature
Noun
  • The Navy is reportedly planning to recommend Miller’s name for the Medal of Honor—the country’s highest military decoration for acts of valor—although the final award would need to be approved by Congress.
    — Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • All the signs that summer is winding down are here — kids heading back to school, the days getting shorter and Halloween decorations taking over stores.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 20 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 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
  • 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
Definition of adornment
Noun
  • The game will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, with PS5 Pro enhancements and Xbox Play Anywhere.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The researchers will need to determine how broadly the effect works and whether stronger enhancement can be achieved with different materials or cavity designs.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of enhancement

Browse Nearby Words

embellishing
embellishment
embellishments
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Embellishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embellishment. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of southpaw

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All