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
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
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Recent Examples of ornamental
Martina Schimitschek, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Known for its stunning pink blossoms in spring and deep red leaves, this ornamental tree adds aesthetic beauty and delicious fruit to any landscape.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 27 Feb. 2026
Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
This tree was widely planted as an ornamental for its fall color, as a nectar source for honeybees, and as a source of vegetable tallow used in cosmetics and candles.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ornamental
Adjective
Gardens of all sizes include water-wise, ornamental and edible plants, natives, succulents, views, chickens, canyons, orchards and more.
—Martina Schimitschek, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Known for its stunning pink blossoms in spring and deep red leaves, this ornamental tree adds aesthetic beauty and delicious fruit to any landscape.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
Prune ornamental grasses to within a foot or two of the ground before growth begins.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
This tree was widely planted as an ornamental for its fall color, as a nectar source for honeybees, and as a source of vegetable tallow used in cosmetics and candles.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ornamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ornamental
Adjective
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The kené art in the cabins aren’t just decorative details—they’re a testament to the cultural traditions of the Shipibo-Konibo community that the artist Deysi Ramírez belongs to.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 2026
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All were active in Los Angeles — Williams, for instance, was a pivotal designer on the LAX Theme Building — and Smith interlaces decorative flourishes in varying styles that twist around one another to work up the Legacy Tower’s pointed spheres.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This ornament, situating them as something between a throw pillow and a hand muff, shrouds the thick-boned fore- and hindquarters that give them a characteristic rolling gait.—
Andrew Norman Wilson,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
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Putting up the Christmas tree last year with ornaments Ryan and his sister made was tough, Gary said.—
Emma Hurt,
AJC.com,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The regen paddle was almost a novelty item compared to the Bolt’s new system.—
Caleb Jacobs,
The Drive,
12 Mar. 2026
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Folks from around here are known to put almost anything on a barbecue pit, and Jack Stack has all the usual suspects—brisket, turkey, sausage, pork, and chicken—plus novelties like lamb ribs and their massive Crown Prime Beef Ribs.—
Robert F. Moss,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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One versatile, wear-with-anything sneaker means more space in your bag for outfits and souvenirs.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Mar. 2026
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The compact pouch unfolds into a surprisingly roomy tote that can handle everything from leftovers and wet ponchos to last-minute Disney souvenirs on the way back to your resort.—
Jacqueline Dole,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Whether your baubles are gold, silver, diamond, or costume jewelry, here’s how to clean rings to maintain their brilliance and condition over time.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
23 Feb. 2026
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Small, independent merchants don’t offer the bric-a-brac of Christmas baubles of embroidered kilts found in nearby (and more touristy) Pitlochry, but instead opt for used books at The Birnam Reader, artisanal cheeses and baked goods at Aran Bakery, and small-batch gin at LÒN.—
Timothy Latterner,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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This small acrylic container is a great way to draw the eyes of your guests to a small knickknack of your choosing.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
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Whether antiques, cherished knickknacks, or heirlooms, items that are very delicate and/or precious to the customer are typically items house cleaners won’t want to mess with in order to cut down the risk of damaging them.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The area where people used to leave trinkets and memorials is already shielded from view by a solid wall of purple tarp that keeps anyone from seeing inside — but there are still a few memorial items, including flags, outside.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
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Ox Lot Books keeps their shelves stocked high and their calendar of events lively, while Cottage Antiques is a treasure trove of crystal, china, and trinkets.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ornamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ornamental. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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