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

Relevance

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
Medium Trees Medium-sized trees include shade trees and ornamental trees that grow up to 40 feet tall. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 July 2026 The late princess is laid to rest on an island at the center of the ornamental lake known as The Round Oval within Althorp Park’s Pleasure Garden. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 24 July 2026
Noun
Many of the plants on this list can be interplanted with ornamentals in garden beds and around your patio or deck. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026 This substance, aptly named powdery mildew, is a common fungus that affects an array of ornamentals, vegetables, and herbs. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 31 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
  • Every surface is elaborate, from the decorative brass door handles to the intricate ceiling moldings that frame each room like a jewel box.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Samantha Ness, a history teacher in Phoenix, said parents should focus on making sure children have basic supplies rather than getting caught up in trendy, decorative or expensive items.
    — Cheyanne Mumphrey, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of decorative
Noun
  • The giant, 10,000-pound mammals provided meat, fat, hide, and bones for building structures, as well as ivory for tools, art, and ornaments.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 July 2026
  • Liberty was founded by Arthur Lasenby Liberty in 1875 and has always been a vast curiosity shop selling ornaments, fabrics, furniture and art from around the world.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 July 2026
Definition of ornament
Noun
  • For now the novelty is the product, and Koczab expects that to expire.
    — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • At $89, the novelty appeal is hard to argue with, but the real test will be whether the product ships, and if units match the polished campaign’s promise.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of novelty
Noun
  • The company was left with a glut of souvenirs after the cable failed.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Visitors will receive a Fins & Flights souvenir tasting glass.
    — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of souvenir
Noun
  • The recent Emi Jay clip engraving pop-up had kids grabbing baubles to create their own accessories.
    — Kelly Aiglon, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • These humble baubles once evoked summer-camp nostalgia and antique-purse collections; now, they’re affixed to viral sensations, designer duds, and semi-precious fine jewelry.
    — Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of bauble
Noun
  • But each room is packed with nooks and crannies and knickknacks to click around on, investigate, and learn about, so there’s almost always something to dig into.
    — Jay Peters, The Verge, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Books and knickknacks made from bronze, glass and wood cover the coffee table.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026
Definition of knickknack
Noun
  • There’s one shaped like a hand grenade; another bears a white-sheet-ghost novelty trinket over the lid, denoting a ghost pepper sauce.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • In El Rosario, the trinkets and souvenirs, the tour-bus parking lots, and even the stable of horses for rent all speak to a symbiosis that has only recently come to be.
    — Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
Definition of trinket

Browse Nearby Words

ornament
ornamental
ornamentals
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ornamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ornamental. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on ornamental

Nglish: Translation of ornamental for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ornamental

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of nurture

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
fridge-magnet-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz August 2026 Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All