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
Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 15 Apr. 2026
Todd Stewart, president and cochairman of Sam the Concrete Man, loves the movement of ornamental grasses which makes a patio feel like it’s nestled in the yard.
—Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2026
Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Unlike ornamentals, which generally all go into the ground around Mother’s Day, vegetable crops have a specific planting window for success.
—Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ornamental
Adjective
Small trees and ornamental shrubs make excellent specimens and they can be used as a centerpiece in flower gardens or to draw attention to an architectural element on the front of your home.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 15 Apr. 2026
Todd Stewart, president and cochairman of Sam the Concrete Man, loves the movement of ornamental grasses which makes a patio feel like it’s nestled in the yard.
—Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
Water ornamental beds no more than once every week to 10 days, allowing the soil to dry out in between.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Unlike ornamentals, which generally all go into the ground around Mother’s Day, vegetable crops have a specific planting window for success.
—Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ornamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ornamental
Adjective
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The square neckline is complemented by decorative buttons, the sleeves are designed with smocked accents and ruffles, and the stripes give it a nautical, breezy vibe that’s fit for your next beach trip or cruise.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2026
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What began as a commission for two mirrors grew over the following decade into an ensemble of 15, transforming the room into one of the most remarkable decorative commissions of the 20th century.—
Jennifer Baum Lagdameo,
Architectural Digest,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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One less thing to set up, one less unwanted lawn ornament.—
Joe Salas
April 25,
New Atlas,
25 Apr. 2026
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Hallmark went live on social media Friday from its Kansas City headquarters, featuring employees who helped create the ornaments.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Not having skyscrapers close enough to see people at work or home in a big city is quite a wonderful novelty.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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People are attracted to the novelty of spending a night or two in a silo, and to Lincolnton’s setting and its dining and entertainment options, Betty Flohr said.—
Joe Marusak
April 22,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Those looking to keep the marker as a souvenir, though, can simply peel these stickers off and create a travel notebook for a physical reflection of your travels.—
Joey Skladany,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Apr. 2026
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Fans soon followed, paying a nickel for a scorecard at the stadium and coming out with a souvenir.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Eight years later John Jacob Astor took the pricey bauble on a trip — aboard the Titanic.—
Richard Johnson,
New York Daily News,
19 Apr. 2026
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The owner of home shopping network pioneer QVC — which for years garnered the attention of millions of TV viewers looking for a deal on baubles and housewares, is planning to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.—
Anne D'Innocenzio,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Unlike the recently popular minimalist styles, real home decorating reflects memories, travel, and family—knickknacks, photographs, souvenirs, and heirlooms are embraced and incorporated.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Apr. 2026
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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
Noun
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These small décor items are essential when outfitting a space and infusing it with a dollop of your own charisma, but too many tiny trinkets can lead to a cluttered feel fast, says interior designer Jennifer Pacca.—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
11 Apr. 2026
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This means picking up every item in that collection of brass candlesticks, trinket boxes, and chinoiserie to clean under it—as well as every nook and cranny in your collection.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ornamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ornamental. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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