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

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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 The brand tried for a balance of sensuality and sharp tailoring, but the distinction got lost in a jumble of embellishments, stretchy silhouettes and aggressively nostalgic styling. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 But in order to do this, volunteers first have to remove any embellishments and fastenings, including buttons, which are recirculated in the store. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026 The more exaggerated interpretations, with oversized collars that swallow the chin or heavy embellishment, are the ones most at risk of looking dated once the search curve bends. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 2 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
  • Known colloquially as the Flower Mosque, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi draws its botanical inspiration not from its overall form but from its sumptuous ornamentation.
    — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026
  • And brands like Cecilie Bahnsen and Dries Van Noten have reinvented the sporty shoe into something more like a collectable via unique and beautiful ornamentation.
    — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of ornamentation
Noun
  • Hours at a time isn’t an exaggeration, especially since the 14S lasted a jaw-dropping 38 hours and 29 minutes in our video testing, which is the kind of endurance coffee shop dwellers can only dream about.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026
  • While that’s an exaggeration by Cole’s lofty standards, one thing is certain with the playoffs nearing.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of exaggeration
Noun
  • The image could be found on T-shirts, hats, billboards, beer bottles, Christmas ornaments and even adorned the cover of several books written about the championship season.
    — Mark Long, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The 25-piece set features porcelain ornaments inspired by the classic characters.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of ornament
Noun
  • But Iñárritu’s caricatures become people in a way Kubrick’s don’t; as the bewildered President, for example, John Goodman is simultaneously grounded and theatrical in his presentation, recalling his best work with the Coen brothers.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Instead of digging into the details of personality and circumstance — this school has a specific class for Shakespeare and also English teachers who are literature-hating caricatures?
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of caricature
Noun
  • Related research into tattoos that detect changes in the body also highlights the potential for tattoo technology to serve purposes beyond decoration.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Workers restored the oak floors and the mahogany central staircase and paneling, while employees scoured Europe for antique decorations and furniture.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of decoration
Noun
  • Pieces are reworked with crystal details, lace, embroidery, cargo pockets, wing graphics, patches, faux leather and True Religion’s signature stitching.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Romanticism was also present, whether in the bloomers at Victoria Beckham, the butterfly appliqués at Zimmermann, the eyelet lace at Chloé, or the embroidery at Cecilie Bahnsen.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of embroidery
Noun
  • Crews used laser levels and temporary adhesive to fix items to the walls, checking their work for accuracy against renderings of the actual office before nailing many adornments to the walls.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Created with his wife Nkuthazo Alexis Dyalvane, the work incorporates cow hair, leather and grass, influenced by ritual adornments, reflecting ancestral knowledge, healing and spiritual transformation.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of adornment
Noun
  • He also was sentenced to 9 years in prison for tampering with evidence and 7 years in prison for firearm enhancements, all to be served consecutively.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Sentencing fight Federal probation officials calculated Rivera’s advisory sentencing range at 262 to 327 months, driven largely by the money-laundering convictions and sentencing enhancements.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of enhancement

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embellishing
embellishment
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Cite this Entry

“Embellishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embellishment. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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