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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
It was modeled on a law that the Nevada state legislature passed in 2021, outlawing the use of Colorado River water on ornamental grass and commercial, government and homeowners association properties in places like Las Vegas. — Paul Rogers, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026 Both infect a wide array of hosts, overlapping to encompass many ornamental trees, shrubs, and vegetable crops. — Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 7 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
  • Best Under $30 Closer in scale to a drawer pull than a coat hanger, this decorative wall hook works best for lightweight items like jewelry, keys, and bags with shorter straps.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Mixing meaningful keepsakes with purely decorative objects can create a display that feels sweet and personal without feeling overly curated.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of decorative
Noun
  • Library patron Betsie Hale did quilling years ago when her children were in grammar school, making Christmas ornaments on white paper with pearls or rhinestones for her kids to give away as presents.
    — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The tree works as a countdown calendar, as kids can fill in each day with a magnetic ornament.
    — Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of ornament
Noun
  • Venus in your daily-life zone connects awkwardly with Uranus in your sign, increasing your appetite for novelty, movement, or a different way of doing things.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Even chains with thousands of locations elsewhere are testing whether novelty can translate into loyalty.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of novelty
Noun
  • The on-site boutique makes a great spot to score a Boston souvenir for the budding Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, or Katherine Johnson in your life.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Everyone also took the chance to line up for colorful sketches as a party souvenir, outfitted in their most vibrant Herrera dresses and jackets.
    — Aaron Royce, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of souvenir
Noun
  • Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh, died in 1857, leaving behind a variety of beautiful baubles.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The recent Emi Jay clip engraving pop-up had kids grabbing baubles to create their own accessories.
    — Kelly Aiglon, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of bauble
Noun
  • The angular build brings in thoughtful symmetry and lots of tabletop space to curate a varied display of coffee table books and knickknacks.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The General Store, a Littleton spot for gifts, knickknacks and small bites, will open its second location in the unit directly next door to the 26-foot-tall ice cream churn bucket.
    — Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of knickknack
Noun
  • Minimalist Casey Jones always gets rid of extra decor or trinkets after a big declutter.
    — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Originally designed to organize individual pieces of metal type for printing, these wooden trays feature dozens of compartments of varying sizes and are perfectly suited for displaying your most treasured trinkets.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 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 23 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ornamental

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ornamental

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