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
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Recent Examples of embellishment
After the introduction of the titular crime and a proto-12 Angry Men (1957) jury scene, the film becomes a playful meta-commentary on the inherent silliness of watching actors go through the motions of detective work, with numerous charming visual embellishments.
—
Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Apr. 2026
Increasingly, human resources departments noticed that applicants used the résumé to tell white lies, and even bigger fibs, listing fictitious degrees, fake promotions and other embellishments.
—Stephen Mihm, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Original decorative embellishments such as the gilt trimwork and ceiling moldings have been restored and recreated.
—Mark David, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2026
The Prada gown, with peek-a-book paneling, is timeless and chic with tulle and pearl embellishments.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for embellishment
Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Apr. 2026
Increasingly, human resources departments noticed that applicants used the résumé to tell white lies, and even bigger fibs, listing fictitious degrees, fake promotions and other embellishments.
—Stephen Mihm, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Original decorative embellishments such as the gilt trimwork and ceiling moldings have been restored and recreated.
—Mark David, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2026
The Prada gown, with peek-a-book paneling, is timeless and chic with tulle and pearl embellishments.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for embellishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embellishment
Noun
-
Yet its sleek, monochromatic design serves as a quiet counterpoint to the temple’s rich ornamentation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Pale, dusty hues enhance natural light, offering a subtle counterpoint to the rich ornamentation, while ceiling paintings by Vicke Andrén, celebrated for his work at the Royal Swedish Opera, underscore the apartment’s artistic importance.—
Mark David,
Robb Report,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Williams, of course, worked at NBC for nearly three decades, including an 11-year run at NBC Nightly News that ended 2015 after exaggerations and falsehoods were found in some of his reporting, including reports from Iraq, and from New Orleans after it had been ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The novel reads, in retrospect, less like exaggeration than reportage from inside a culture already learning to treat life as publicity.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One less thing to set up, one less unwanted lawn ornament.—
Joe Salas
April 25,
New Atlas,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Hallmark went live on social media Friday from its Kansas City headquarters, featuring employees who helped create the ornaments.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
His flamboyance never tips into caricature, and along with wit and warmth there is real pain.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
16 Apr. 2026
-
And in mainstream television, Latinos are very often caricatures.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Featuring distinct forms and notable decorations, these pieces express identity, aesthetics, and wealth during a crucial period of change.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Each object features decoration – in bread of course – depicting wheat ears and sheafs, as well as hearts and olive branches.—
Francesca Perry,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Prettygarden Off-the-Shoulder Eyelet Mini Dress Reese Witherspoon’s spring wardrobe has become synonymous with pretty eyelet embroidery, and this off-the-shoulder dress fits right into the sweet, elegant vibe.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
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The group met with fashion designers who contributed pieces to the show and students from King’s Foundation’s Chanel and Le 19M Métiers d’Art programs in embroidery, millinery, and atelier studies.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Fleetwood wore a silk blazer with several silver adornments and accessorized the look with a pair of bracelets on his right arm and a wide gold wedding band on his left hand.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
-
From subtle additions to broadening landscaping strategies and adornments that are easy on the eye, these tips can make a big difference in a small space.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The ballroom includes a military bunker as part of its national security enhancements, and has been under construction for months, but faces legal hurdles.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Before the enhancements, only about 50 acres of the island had been developed.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Embellishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embellishment. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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