1
as in ornaments
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 exaggerations
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 embellishments
Valentino's Georgette fabrics, chiffon ruffles and ornate embellishments, including the exclusive budellini technique − where sheep's wool is hand-rolled into tubes, wrapped in silk and stitched together − won him a multitude of awards, including France's highest civilian distinction in 2006.
—
Kim Willis, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026
Her fashion sense has become iconic in its own right, synonymous with maximalist country glam, complete with jeweled embellishments and massive wigs.
—Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
The curing process offers a prime canvas for building 3D embellishments or adding dramatic extensions, making gel nails perfect for maximalist looks.
—Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 18 Jan. 2026
The embellishments also reference archival Blahnik designs and the 1960s bijoux made by Cristóbal Balenciaga.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 15 Jan. 2026
Unlike most top sushi spots, Mitani will serve lunch as well as dinner, offering a premium omakase with extended seafood aging and minimal modern nigiri embellishments.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
Garments with Embellishments From delicate beading or sequined details to hand stitching, anything with these embellishments is better off hung to dry.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026
Known for their bold and glamorous designs, Gucci’s round gradient metal pair features oversized frames, logo embellishments and gradient lenses.
—Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Rebecca Vallance covers tailored bows with pearl embellishments on a range of adorable mini dresses.
—Fawnia Soo Hoo, Refinery29, 11 Apr. 2025
Kim Willis, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026
Her fashion sense has become iconic in its own right, synonymous with maximalist country glam, complete with jeweled embellishments and massive wigs.
—Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
The curing process offers a prime canvas for building 3D embellishments or adding dramatic extensions, making gel nails perfect for maximalist looks.
—Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 18 Jan. 2026
The embellishments also reference archival Blahnik designs and the 1960s bijoux made by Cristóbal Balenciaga.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 15 Jan. 2026
Unlike most top sushi spots, Mitani will serve lunch as well as dinner, offering a premium omakase with extended seafood aging and minimal modern nigiri embellishments.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
Garments with Embellishments From delicate beading or sequined details to hand stitching, anything with these embellishments is better off hung to dry.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026
Known for their bold and glamorous designs, Gucci’s round gradient metal pair features oversized frames, logo embellishments and gradient lenses.
—Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Rebecca Vallance covers tailored bows with pearl embellishments on a range of adorable mini dresses.
—Fawnia Soo Hoo, Refinery29, 11 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embellishments
Noun
-
The towering incense cedars, stout black oak trees and spindly pines were cloaked in the ornaments of moisture, dangling like tiny decorations on a holiday tree.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Jan. 2026
-
Christina Argonish, a full-time artisan who creates felt and clay ornaments says that high heat in attics during summers can weaken fibers, and moisture from humidity can encourage mildew.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But that’s only fair, since wild exaggerations are exactly what music videos are all about.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
16 Nov. 2025
-
Too often, these nations assume such threats are bluffs or exaggerations because their own logic struggles to grasp that someone would be so blatant.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Colors take center stage, embedding references to the paintings and glasswork in European churches, the hues of the natural landscape in China’s Dunhuang county, as well as to the iconography and embroideries from the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern dynasties in ancient China.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
13 Jan. 2026
-
In Italy, Antonio Marras combined rugged denim with delicate lace and embroideries.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Enjoy lion dances, traditional music, acrobatics, local talent including K-Pop and folk performances, street food, a car exhibit, workshops including calligraphy, tea ceremony and creating decorations.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Paper Decorations and Christmas Cards Holiday cards and vintage or handmade paper decorations are ultra-fragile, says Argonish.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Some of the Catholic and Jewish characters are caricatures, too, but this anonymous ideologue is a bit too understated for someone wanting to conscript another into deadly service and could benefit from the absurdist flair Cash deploys elsewhere.—
Niela Orr,
Vulture,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Red velvet, dark wood accents, and walls lined with caricatures of Washington’s political elite—past and present—set the stage for a memorable experience, one that feels equal parts old-school power lounge and playful take on the city’s history.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The team also said the grave was unusual for its small circular shell beads, which served as personal adornments.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
29 Dec. 2025
-
It’s been a good couple years for adornments or accessories that amplify characterization.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
18 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office had charged Mangione with terrorism enhancements in order to justify a first-degree murder charge under state law, which could have been punished with a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Homeowners continue to seek more personalized enhancements that support both entertaining needs and everyday rituals.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Next, with the help of artificial colorings, flavorings, texturizers and glue-like emulsifiers, ingredients are mixed, heated, pounded, shaped or extruded into any food a manufacturer can dream up.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
14 Dec. 2025
-
Many also contain colorings and flavorings.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
9 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Embellishments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embellishments. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
