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 Nowadays, these playful, fringed embellishments have found a new place in the wardrobes of the most fashionable. — Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 28 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 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 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
  • This outdoor ornament can become a water feature by incorporating a fountain or water garden nearby.
    — Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of ornament
Noun
  • The note was written on Cohn’s personal stationery, imprinted with a scowling caricature of himself.
    — Kai Bird, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Absolutely is still Abby, but an exaggerated, almost caricature of Abby, rather than a separate thing.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 30 July 2026
Definition of caricature
Noun
  • When Brasden opened the door, she was met with a room filled with pink balloons, photos, decorations and food.
    — Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026
  • In Target, she’d be queried about where to find the Christmas decorations.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of decoration
Noun
  • Chikankari is a delicate embroidery technique that goes back to the 17th century, when the Mughal empress Nur Jahan introduced it to India.
    — Divia Thani, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to standard lettering, Kassatex has a menu of fun embroidery decals that can sit alongside monograms, including a lighthouse motif, delicate bow designs, and even a martini glass to turn tub time into a party.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 10 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
  • Gameplay enhancements include deeper pre-snap options, smarter defenders, and an optional Catch Meter.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • These enhancements, because of vendor agreements, require no extra funding, according to Chow.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 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 15 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on embellishment

Nglish: Translation of embellishment for Spanish Speakers

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 circumscribe

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

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

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

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

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

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Words of the Week - Aug. 14

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

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

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
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
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All