ORNAMENTAL Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

ornamental 1 of 2

adjective

ˌȯr-nə-ˈmen-tᵊl

Definition of ornamental

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

Landscape Add 3 to 4 inches of straw mulch to landscape plants like roses, ornamental shrubs, and hydrangeas and remove it in the spring. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 29 Oct. 2026 From gorgeous blooms and ornamental fruits to colorful fall foliage, these flowering trees add seasonal flourishes for beautiful gardens all season long. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2026

Noun

Late-Modern architect focuses on a sleek design with minimal ornamentals. — Charlotte Observer, 18 Sep. 2026 While this group of pathogens has an extensive range of hosts, it is often observed on woody ornamentals—viburnum or rhododendron, for example—and trees like dogwood or maple. — Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ornamental

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ornamental

Adjective

Nothing can up the ambiance on a front porch quite like flickering candlelight, and these decorative metal lanterns will keep it safe and contained, all while adding an elegant touch to any decor style.

— Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026
The restrictions put a temporary end to washing cars at home, filling residential pools, non-essential power washing and operating decorative water features.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of decorative

Noun

However, since the ornament is entered into a holiday gift exchange rather than gifted with proper intention, Tanya suddenly finds herself on the receiving end of everyone else’s misfortune.

— Rachel LaBonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
If a holiday carol stopped you cold in the grocery store this week, or if hanging a single ornament brought you to tears, nothing is wrong with you.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of ornament

Noun

The family costume isn’t complete without little Danny Torrance (played by Danny Lloyd), dressed in denim overalls, chunky novelty knits and red Converse sneakers.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026
If novelty is more your thing, contemporary art is also on the menu.

— Shauna Lyon, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of novelty

Noun

The town of Moab is just over 25 miles away and is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat, browse the boutiques for Utah souvenirs, or stop for a sweet treat.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
There are enough puns on signs and souvenirs to exhaust a middle schooler.

— Harry Bruinius, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of souvenir

Noun

Bringing in the brand’s signature Polly Pocket-esque aesthetic, the eyewear is accompanied by seven magnetic baubles — including hearts, butterflies, bows, lips and stars — motifs that are seen across the brand.

— Madison Collins, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
Still, some of these baubles run the risk of being fragile, or priced outside my price range.

— Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 18 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

In addition to the lighter candy bags, exorbitant candy prices could also prompt the resurgence of apples and toothbrushes (seriously) as treats, or tiny trinkets instead of candy.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Children have also left behind plenty of toys — including eight mini race cars, three bouncy balls, dozens of assorted figurines, rubber ducks, fidget spinners and other trinkets.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of trinket

Browse Nearby Words

ornament

ornamental

ornamentals

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ornamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ornamental. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of ornamental

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on ornamental

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

fulsome

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

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

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes