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
The couple’s own green thumbs are visible in the sprawling ornamental kitchen garden. — Laura Regensdorf, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026 In parts of Florida, some plants, like ornamental bromeliads, collect water in the cups of their leaves, allowing mosquitoes to breed several feet above the ground. — Angela Haupt, Time, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
The plant was a Japanese yew, an ornamental that is toxic and deadly to horses, according to the report. — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 16 June 2026 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 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
  • Just for the same exact reason why details should not be strictly decorative.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The decorative Seafood Tower, for example, consists of lobster, oysters, king crab legs, crab claws and shrimp.
    — Jennifer Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of decorative
Noun
  • The first offerings will include pieces inspired by Byzantine artworks including imperial medallions, architectural ornaments, and statuary.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to his ornament, Hynes is also gearing up for the release of his 2026 Countdown to Christmas movie The Nights Before Christmas, which was inspired in part by the actor’s love of Groundhog Day and the Back to the Future trilogy.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of ornament
Noun
  • For such novelty pieces, there would always be more than one version of an object for the emperor to choose from, Almeida explained.
    — Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Since starting Synthesia back in 2017, one of my core principles has been utility over novelty.
    — Victor Riparbelli, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of novelty
Noun
  • Bleacherites were bracing for the descending ball as a souvenir when the wind blew the ball back into the field of play, where Billy Williams caught it for the out.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The initiative transformed pins from simple souvenirs into coveted collectibles and helped foster a global community of traders and collectors.
    — Danielle Broadway, USA Today, 19 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
  • The General Store, a Littleton spot for gifts, knickknacks and small bites, will open its second location in the unit directly next door to the 26-foot-tall ice cream churn bucket.
    — Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 21 Aug. 2026
  • This trickles down to knickknacks and other decorative items that wind up on the coffee table when thet could easily be stored in the side table drawer.
    — Amanda Sims, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of knickknack
Noun
  • Plenty of cat decorations are also seen alongside his wife’s work, such as trinkets in the office and pillows in one of the bedrooms.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In keeping with its museum neighbour, the hotel is filled with fascinating trinkets and artsy details that reward a closer look.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ornamental

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ornamental

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