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
To best protect the environment and your plants, Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator at the University of Maine Extension, recommends using plain brown paper grocery bags as mulch. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026 The swish and sway of ornamental grasses infuses any garden or backyard with beauty. — Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
Gardeners can naturally reduce beetle populations and protect their landscapes by planting geraniums among more susceptible ornamentals. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026 While the company has changed its product over the years, from produce to ornamentals, he's always grown to serve his local community. — Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 25 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
  • The oversize everyday bag continues to dominate, particularly in supple suede finishes, while mini and micro bags remain relevant through playful interpretations featuring embroidery, charms and decorative details.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Complete the transformation with fresh bedding, decorative pillows, or a cozy throw.
    — Ethan Stone October 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of decorative
Noun
  • The image could be found on T-shirts, hats, billboards, beer bottles, Christmas ornaments and even adorned the cover of several books written about the championship season.
    — Mark Long, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The 25-piece set features porcelain ornaments inspired by the classic characters.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of ornament
Noun
  • Eventually, as lesser talents copied the techniques without the wit, the novelty wore thin, giving modernist cuisine a bad name.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The décor surpassed that of a typical sports bar, dingy novelty signs replaced by a mural of Katie Ledecky, Simone Biles, Serena Williams, and Allyson Felix.
    — Jane Bua, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of novelty
Noun
  • As with any important Christie’s exhibition, an accompanying catalog makes for the ideal souvenir.
    — Tanya Dukes, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Also, a foul ball hit by almost any player would be a nice souvenir.
    — Scott Simon, NPR, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of souvenir
Noun
  • Lured in by such shiny baubles, the responsible critic should avoid making premature, weepingly sincere pronouncements.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Throw on an oversize black pantsuit, add a filament-thin chain at the waist and let your untucked shirt, trimmed with a random assortment of little baubles, peek out at the bottom.
    — Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of bauble
Noun
  • Arrow Rock Antiques & Mercantile is stocked with vintage knickknacks and home decor items.
    — Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Décor To complement wall art, look for knickknacks and small décor items, such as statues, decorative trays, faux plants, and ceramic pieces.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of knickknack
Noun
  • Savvy shoppers are sure to find lots of trinkets and treasures at a bargain price.
    — Laura Daily, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2026
  • This isn’t a delicate desk trinket that cowers at a splash of rain.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 21 Sep. 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 17 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on ornamental

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ornamental

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of syncretic

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

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

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

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

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 16
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
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
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All