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
For all other ornamental plants, wait to plant until the weather cools in early fall. — Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 These shrubs were all originally brought from Europe or Asia to the Midwest to be used as ornamental plants. — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
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 This substance, aptly named powdery mildew, is a common fungus that affects an array of ornamentals, vegetables, and herbs. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 31 May 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
  • For shopping along Main Street, stop at Widener’s own boutique for antique and new decorative objects—and one serious basket collection—in a 1785 building.
    — Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Add a monogram, and the customization reads like a natural extension of the towel as opposed to a decorative flourish.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of decorative
Noun
  • This outdoor ornament can become a water feature by incorporating a fountain or water garden nearby.
    — Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The giant, 10,000-pound mammals provided meat, fat, hide, and bones for building structures, as well as ivory for tools, art, and ornaments.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 July 2026
Definition of ornament
Noun
  • That’s a key signal that the humanoid robot market is at least starting to mature from novelty – and dance shows – toward utility.
    — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Its novelty keeps Marvel Tokon from being too familiar, cementing it as a worthwhile title in its own right.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of novelty
Noun
  • The novelty vending machines mold souvenir sculptures — a train car, a gorilla, a bust of Abraham Lincoln — in under a minute, filling a two-sided mold with hot plastic, then hollowing it out with compressed air.
    — Juliet Bennett Rylah, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Your ticket also comes with a commemorative souvenir glass plus access to a variety of new offerings, including a petting zoo, photo booth, games and more.
    — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 10 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
  • But each room is packed with nooks and crannies and knickknacks to click around on, investigate, and learn about, so there’s almost always something to dig into.
    — Jay Peters, The Verge, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Books and knickknacks made from bronze, glass and wood cover the coffee table.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026
Definition of knickknack
Noun
  • Scout tops her list for antiques and midcentury modern furnishings; Room Service is the place to unearth affordable trinkets, vintage tableware, and furniture ready to be rehabbed.
    — Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Beaded jewelry, trinkets, beach coverups, and more are all priced to sell at Bali Cargo Company in Neptune Beach.
    — Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 10 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ornamental

Nglish: Translation of ornamental for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ornamental

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