as in ornamentation
decoration that consists of delicate and complicated designs made of fine gold or silver wire
a surface decorated with filigree and pearls
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as in to ribbon
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Recent Examples of filigree
Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 2 Feb. 2026
Mancuso’s cascading lines and shimmering filigrees are dazzling, yet almost instantly bring to mind the work of Beck, Vai, Eric Johnson, Eddie Van Halen and other legends who inspired him.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Alex Davies, WIRED, 19 Aug. 2019
In contrast to the historic skyscraper’s filigreed crown of flying buttresses and pinnacles, the top of the new one would consist of curving glass walls extending beyond the building’s occupied floors.
—Blair Kamin and Ryan Ori, chicagotribune.com, 16 Apr. 2018
See All Example Sentences for filigree
Noun
Gold filigree adorned a clear base, giving her nails a romantic, pre-Raphaelite effect that’s become part of Chappell’s signature style.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 2 Feb. 2026
Mancuso’s cascading lines and shimmering filigrees are dazzling, yet almost instantly bring to mind the work of Beck, Vai, Eric Johnson, Eddie Van Halen and other legends who inspired him.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
Another helpful move was using what Bugatti calls filigree side view mirrors, which let air pass through them.
—Alex Davies, WIRED, 19 Aug. 2019
In contrast to the historic skyscraper’s filigreed crown of flying buttresses and pinnacles, the top of the new one would consist of curving glass walls extending beyond the building’s occupied floors.
—Blair Kamin and Ryan Ori, chicagotribune.com, 16 Apr. 2018
See All Example Sentences for filigree
Recent Examples of Synonyms for filigree
Noun
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It is surrounded by appliqué ornamentation reflecting the decorative arts of each culture and an ornate frieze around the periphery.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
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Yet its sleek, monochromatic design serves as a quiet counterpoint to the temple’s rich ornamentation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Mesquite and acacia trees ribbon the lower elevations, while Douglas firs and ponderosa pine line the upper reaches.—
Staff Author,
Travel + Leisure,
1 May 2026
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Eager to make connections with important people, Kapoor invited mayors to ribbon cuttings and doled outmore than $100,000 in campaign checks from corporate accounts, about half of which went to a political committee supporting a losing candidate in this November’s Miami Beach mayoral race.—
Sarah Blaskey,
Miami Herald,
16 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
One less thing to set up, one less unwanted lawn ornament.—
Joe Salas
April 25,
New Atlas,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Hallmark went live on social media Friday from its Kansas City headquarters, featuring employees who helped create the ornaments.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
An older brother laced up skates for Northwood University.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 May 2026
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Gunnar Henderson laced a slider for an RBI double.—
Matt Kawahara,
Houston Chronicle,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Two non-acetone solvents (propylene carbonate and methyl soyate) in the alcohol-free formula quickly break up color, shimmer, and chunky glitter with each swipe.—
Sarah Felbin,
Allure,
30 Apr. 2026
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And the millennial in me that grew up slathering glitter all over her limbs is rejoicing.—
Gina Vaynshteyn,
StyleCaster,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Days begin at Le Plage, the freshwater pool fringed with parasols and a softly trickling waterfall, where breakfasts of eggs, local bread, warm pastries, and fresh juice appear on the long communal table.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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On the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, nestled between a turtle sanctuary and palm-fringed tourist beaches, sits one of the most consequential industrial complexes for the future of global trade.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Queen was wearing a navy blue coat dress with maroon embroidery.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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There was also more to the embroidery than met the eye.—
Nicole Briese,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In the meantime, brutal disappointment is our fate, as so much writing garlanded with praise upon publication stands revealed as shockingly feeble, even venal, confirming that our time had been darkening for decades before Donald Trump took power.—
Christine Smallwood,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
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Clever directorial touches garland the musical like filigree.—
Theater Critic,
San Francisco Chronicle,
4 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Filigree.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filigree. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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