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
But the bigger controversy had come earlier, when Sidney Crosby was given an embellishment penalty after receiving what appeared to be an old-fashioned high stick in the face.
—
Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 16 June 2026
But a fresh wave of nail inspiration has transformed the classic embellishment into something far more playful and unexpected.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 14 June 2026
Resort wear, eveningwear and ready-to-wear blur together through intricate embellishment, bold colour and craftsmanship that demands attention without feeling forced.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
These are not creative embellishments of personality.
—Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for embellishment
Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 16 June 2026
But a fresh wave of nail inspiration has transformed the classic embellishment into something far more playful and unexpected.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 14 June 2026
Resort wear, eveningwear and ready-to-wear blur together through intricate embellishment, bold colour and craftsmanship that demands attention without feeling forced.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
These are not creative embellishments of personality.
—Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for embellishment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embellishment
Noun
-
The pop-up will display 20 pieces designed by Musa, as well as art depicting the dental ornamentation.—
Madeline Montgomery,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
-
Even the rarest materials—Basra pearls, Golconda diamonds—get new life in a striking pair of earrings from Santi that mimic Maharaja ornamentation without feeling like ancient relics.—
Jill Newman,
Robb Report,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
This isn’t an over exaggeration.—
Joel Feder,
The Drive,
17 June 2026
-
That profile — outsider, migrant, adopted identity, ascent to the top tier — is, without much exaggeration, the story Saudi Arabia is trying to write for itself in world football.—
Wael Mahdi,
semafor.com,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
These ornaments were originally intended to symbolize speed, elegance and technological optimism.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
In one clip, Horner could be seen holding a ring box that had been hung like an ornament on a Christmas tree.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
And the thing about caricatures?—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
-
Too often, caricatures are deployed to justify unfair and unjust treatment.—
Jocelyn Frye,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Minimize decorations if your storage is displayed.—
Emily Benda Gaylord,
The Spruce,
20 June 2026
-
Dotted across Saudi Arabia’s dark green home jersey are symmetrical lavender squares or diamond shapes, a tribute to doorway decoration — namely geometric, triangular architecture — commonly seen in homes in the kingdom.—
Steve Douglas,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Zendaya sported a see-through little black dress decorated with floral embroidery and ruffles, layering it underneath a glittery floor-length coat complete with satin bell sleeves.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
18 June 2026
-
The garment was made from a light blue fabric with colorful floral embroidery, and a prominent diamond brooch decorating the center of the V-neckline.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Elk and bear tooth pendants were also common items of ornamentation, and important community members were buried with those adornments.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
-
Staff members draped us with orchid leis and invited us to stroll the lawn, where instructors taught us how to play the traditional bowling game ulu maika, and artisans offered wood carvings and flower adornments.—
Julie Orringer,
Travel + Leisure,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
The vast majority, about $59 billion, is earmarked for farm safety-net enhancements.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
21 June 2026
-
With this uptick in usage, Google hasn’t seen a reduction of headcount – companies are leaning into AI as an enhancement tool.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Embellishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embellishment. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
