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

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 While the athlete, 30, stood tall in a traditional black suit and tie, Woods, 28, wore a strapless gown accented with chains of embellishments. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026 Big patterns or embellishments like ruffles can draw the eye away from any breast asymmetries and shape or volume changes, Peled said. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 July 2026 The collection’s 24th and 30th looks, in which a large fan decorated with such embellishments, are almost a one-to-one translation of Benglis’s Zanzidae, From the Peacock Series (1979). — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 6 July 2026 Delicate fabrics like lace or sequins can tear or lose embellishments in the washer. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 3 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
  • 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
  • Other examples of ornamentation include the scalloped crown molding in the entry hall and colorful tiling on risers of steps down to the south side of the house.
    — Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026
Definition of ornamentation
Noun
  • If that sounds like an exaggeration, look no further than online travel booking service provider Expedia.
    — Polina Chebanova, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • That may sound like an exaggeration, but higher education will almost certainly have to become more remedial.
    — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
Definition of exaggeration
Noun
  • The ornament features a groom wearing a top hat and a bride wearing a crown.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 15 July 2026
  • The gallery posted a photo of the ornament on Instagram earlier this week.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
Definition of ornament
Noun
  • Created by Chicago painter Nathaniel Mary Quinn, the image mashes up caricatures of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ron Wood into a glorious grotesquerie that channels the colorful glam-trash aesthetics of the band’s late-’70s phase.
    — Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026
  • Olikara, who grew up around Wisconsin’s farmland, bristles at how routinely rural America is flattened into caricature.
    — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of caricature
Noun
  • Around the space are Chicago Fire decorations, sign-up sheets, contests and team merch for sale.
    — Becky Sullivan, NPR, 19 July 2026
  • This breakfast recipe is deliciously easy—a quick stir-together batter, a simple edible decoration, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
    — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
Definition of decoration
Noun
  • The same graphic is repeated on the Baggy Utility Shorts, Loose Jeans and Straight Jeans as embroidery on their coin pockets.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 21 July 2026
  • Look for tops that have lace, floral embroidery, ruffles, or subtle sheer components with a delicate and sophisticated air, then layer a barn jacket or cardigan on top for additional warmth.
    — René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 17 July 2026
Definition of embroidery
Noun
  • The Fantastic Four star slipped into a brown string bikini with a gold sun adornment on the strapless top for their romantic beach day.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026
  • Doechii’s version included contrasting brown and gold reptilian-print material as well as beads, sequins and tassel adornment.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 28 June 2026
Definition of adornment
Noun
  • Rivian plans further enhancements, including Sirius XM and Level 3 self-driving capabilities for Autonomy+ later this year.
    — Anthony Karcz, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Our goal is earlier identification of needs, stronger prevention efforts and enhancements to our continuous quality improvement processes.
    — Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
Definition of enhancement

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embellishing
embellishment
embellishments
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Cite this Entry

“Embellishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embellishment. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of embellishment for Spanish Speakers

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