EMBELLISHMENT Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

embellishment

noun

im-ˈbe-lish-mənt

Definition of embellishment

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

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 The embellishments were concentrated through the bodice and hips, thinning out along the skirt to reveal more of the sheer fabric underneath. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026 Chic manicure techniques like jelly finishes, intricate coffee swirls, and 3D embellishments provide an additional festive flair. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 18 Sep. 2026 Our report found that only 26% of embellishment cases are ever verified and found to contain a discrepancy. — Houman Akhavan, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026 Buildings drip with embellishments; monuments to the city’s writers, artists and musicians seem to be on every corner, and the public transit system and plentiful taxis made for a fun and easy whistle-stop tour of some of Budapest’s main sites. — Lucy Handley, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embellishment

Recent Examples of Synonyms for embellishment

Noun

Freedom, mobility; who gets to be an artist; style, ornamentation, artifice; work, leisure; the counterculture; the denigration of femininity; West Coast oddballism.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
The rhinestone ornamentation doubled as a girly and whimsical photo-op.

— Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of ornamentation

Noun

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
The late Cincinnati Reds owner can be described as cheap, racist and antisemitic without fear of exaggeration.

— Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of exaggeration

Noun

Each ornament is carefully crafted from real porcelain and measures just under three inches in size.

— Tim Chan, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
In July, 2001, at 19 years old, I was arrested with two friends for stealing lawn ornaments from people’s front yards and a park bench from outside a Home Depot.

— August Mangeney, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of ornament

Noun

Reducing Combs to a caricature of villainy alone would ignore the complexity that has long defined his influence.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
Last month, retailer Target pulled a children’s Halloween costume from its shelves after widespread social media backlash, apologizing for selling a garment that critics said evoked racist minstrel caricatures.

— Dave Collins, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of caricature

Noun

Most of the reduction in tariffs is aimed at non-sensitive goods, such as agricultural products or holiday decorations.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
And while there are plenty of overtly Halloween pieces, the best finds don’t feel like novelty decorations.

— Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of decoration

Noun

The body-contouring gown was transparent from its high neck to its hem, with long sleeves and intricately worked floral embroidery blooming over the bust, navel, hips, and thighs.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026
Other paintings and drawings are reproduced through embroidery, embossing and enameled charms, which adorn decorative chains.

— Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of embroidery

Noun

Ancient mythology supplies the characters; Victorian adornment supplies some of the collection’s more curious accessories, including pill pendants, potion vials and keepsake holders.

— Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
Dresses based on the domestic adornment were piped in leather, while a gleaming gold dress was laser-cut with the decorative pattern.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of adornment

Noun

Funding for the project is included in the city’s operating and maintenance budget under community enhancement funds, according to the staff report.

— Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Masons, carvers and conservators all work towards the preservation and enhancement and even creation of heritage, but as experience and knowledge grows so a gradual almost imperceptible transition occurs.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of enhancement

Browse Nearby Words

embellishing

embellishment

embellishments

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Cite this Entry

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“Embellishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embellishment. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of embellishment

noun

Example Sentences

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