ornamental 1 of 2

adjective

ˌȯr-nə-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce ornamental (audio)
Definition of ornamentalnext
as in decorative
serving to add beauty the trim on Victorian houses is sometimes elaborately ornamental

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ornamental

2 of 2

noun

as in ornament
a small object displayed for its attractiveness or interest a collection of fragile ornamentals kept in a glass cabinet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 ornamental
Adjective
These stunning ornamental shrubs showcase flower heads in a dazzling array of colors, including vibrant purples, charming pinks, and serene blues that bloom across various climates. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 June 2026 The Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office told The Sacramento Bee that shipments of desert willows, a type of ornamental plant, had viable egg masses on their leaves. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026
Noun
Mixing native plants with ornamentals and edibles creates eco-friendly and functional gardens. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 17 May 2026 Featuring four miles of trails, SDBG has the largest public bamboo collection in North America; gardens representing different regions and flora of the world; and demonstration gardens showcasing fruits and vegetables, water-smart ornamentals, and native plants. — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ornamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ornamental
  1. decorative
  2. ornament
  3. novelty
  4. souvenir
  5. bauble
  6. knickknack
  7. trinket
Adjective
  • The collection will feature premium bedding ensembles, decorative pillows, throws and home accents designed to elevate everyday living.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
  • Note the flames used as decorative touches in the bedrooms, or the Formula 1 racing suit and helmet hanging in the primary suite.
    — Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026
Definition of decorative
Noun
  • The gallery posted a photo of the ornament on Instagram earlier this week.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
  • Saleh sometimes leads painting workshops where participants can decorate items like ornaments and lampshades.
    — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of ornament
Noun
  • Hijinx Hotel also has a full bar and restaurant that could rival any resort’s offerings, with drinks served in novelty glasses and a sweet-savory high tea, three karaoke rooms and a secret speakeasy where the party goes on and on.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 14 July 2026
  • That low barrier, combined with fresh air, novelty and a serious cardiovascular boost, is turning hiking clubs into one of the defining social movements of 2026.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026
Definition of novelty
Noun
  • Beware of the stalls selling fake leather or souvenirs made in China.
    — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
  • Walmart confirmed guests would not receive their very own industrial drums of ranch dressing as a souvenir.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Definition of souvenir
Noun
  • Margot Robbie is just the latest to borrow a bauble from Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry box.
    — Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
  • Nearby Lost Art Jewelry sells handmade baubles by a master goldsmith.
    — Shilo Urban, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2026
Definition of bauble
Noun
  • But so can characters pushing the knickknack/plaything boundary, like porcelain figurines and piggy banks.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 18 June 2026
  • A lot of those people have Victoria Baumann and Charlie Moreton to thank, the father-daughter duo behind Victoria Essie Studio that produces fidget toys and other knickknacks out of their homes in North Carolina.
    — Jennifer Liu Valentina Duarte, CNBC, 14 June 2026
Definition of knickknack
Noun
  • Right off The Avenue is the Baltimore Trinket Library, full of keychains, stickers, buttons, pins, zines, works of art, and trinkets.
    — Mary Eber, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • Complete strangers become confidants, newcomers are entrusted with the secret rituals of the forest (like shouting for the always elusive Carl), and trading trinkets and kandi is the reigning social currency.
    — Taryn Valentine, SPIN, 10 July 2026
Definition of trinket

Browse Nearby Words

ornament
ornamental
ornamentals
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Cite this Entry

“Ornamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ornamental. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ornamental

Nglish: Translation of ornamental for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ornamental

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