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
For the occasion, their first red carpet together since October 2025, Reeves looked sharp in a black suit with a charcoal gray shirt and tie, while Grant opted for a black shirt, black pants, and a gray wool coat with jeweled embellishments.
—
Meg Walters, InStyle, 7 Apr. 2026
The Dessert in the Desert press-on nails are festival-ready with intricate gold embellishments on top of a rich chocolate brown base color.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 3 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
These are not creative embellishments of personality.
—Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026
Heidi Klum wowed in a strapless champagne column gown featuring shimmering crystal embellishments and intricate vertical beadwork.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 15 Mar. 2026
These women stood out not just for their star power, but for their fearless approach to fashion—embracing eye-catching embellishments like feathers, tulle, intricate embroidery and dramatic textures that transformed classic silhouettes into statement-making ensembles.
—Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 15 Mar. 2026
Meg Walters, InStyle, 7 Apr. 2026
The Dessert in the Desert press-on nails are festival-ready with intricate gold embellishments on top of a rich chocolate brown base color.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 3 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
These are not creative embellishments of personality.
—Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026
Heidi Klum wowed in a strapless champagne column gown featuring shimmering crystal embellishments and intricate vertical beadwork.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 15 Mar. 2026
These women stood out not just for their star power, but for their fearless approach to fashion—embracing eye-catching embellishments like feathers, tulle, intricate embroidery and dramatic textures that transformed classic silhouettes into statement-making ensembles.
—Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 15 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embellishments
Noun
-
These adorable multicolor glasses look like they’re inspired by spring garden ornaments.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Apr. 2026
-
In addition to carrying her own creations in the 800-square-foot storefront, Wolfer’s inventory includes handmade quilts, greeting cards, oyster shell ornaments and photography on display.—
Sarah Kyrcz,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Together, these individuals bedevil lawmakers with their flag-waving and their exaggerations about the alien problem.—
Christine Smallwood,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Free of the trappings and exaggerations of the 1980s, fashion had turned to celebrating clothes in their simplest, purest form, with invisible seams and clean lines, devoid of embellishments and in a strictly neutral, pattern-free palette.—
Valentina Bottoni,
Vanity Fair,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The receptionist works behind a period cabinet converted into the sort of desk Philip Marlowe would happily put his feet on and Art Deco ornamentations abound, from the beautiful clocks, to the slightly sinister candlesticks.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Vogue points to bold and bright sneakers for spring, plus those with details like sequins and floral embroideries, among other trends.—
Claire Peltier,
ABC News,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Knit tops with coordinating embroideries complemented most denim collections.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The forms and decorations of these items matched those found at other Yaz sites, such as Kuchuktepa and Yaztepa, clarifying who built this advanced urban center.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Seasonal and holiday decorations are especially popular thrift store finds, particularly during the fall and winter months, says Pinto.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There are some surprise attractions too, from the Cartoon Museum, which documents the history of British cartoons, caricatures and comics, to the spectacular Byzantine-style Fitzrovia Chapel with its gold mosaic ceiling where King Charles recorded his Christmas broadcast in 2024.—
Siobhan Grogan,
TheWeek,
7 Apr. 2026
-
While some celebrants have greeted these caricatures with cathartic jeers and sneers, others are shocked and outraged.—
Tim Brinkhof,
JSTOR Daily,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Since Fossil started releasing its special-edition ring watches — tapping everyone from Barbie to Nick Jonas and Disney for the task — people started falling in love with the adornments’ more playful side, not to mention mini-watches’ unisex wearability and gift-worthiness.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The city hasn't detailed what safety enhancements are coming.—
Joe Holden,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
-
New puzzles and interactivity will be introduced to the attraction along with other additional enhancements.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Embellishments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embellishments. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
