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 ordinances would also ban new ornamental water features, including decorative fountains and ponds. — Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 Alliums Many people are surprised to find out that our good old culinary onion (Allium cepa) has a tremendous number of very showy cousins that are grown as ornamental bulbs. — Paul Cappeillo, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 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 collection combines decorative and functional objects, with each piece designed around both its use and its story.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Set the scene The Pinch sits on King Street’s popular north-south artery of clothing shops, wine bars, palm trees, and decorative facades.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 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
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Cite this Entry

“Ornamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ornamental. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ornamental

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ornamental

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