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 couple’s own green thumbs are visible in the sprawling ornamental kitchen garden. — Laura Regensdorf, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026 In parts of Florida, some plants, like ornamental bromeliads, collect water in the cups of their leaves, allowing mosquitoes to breed several feet above the ground. — Angela Haupt, Time, 3 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
  • Each shoe is fully constructed in Timberland’s signature premium leather, which has been covered with a decorative diamond tread plate design.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Sprinkle does not treat that kind of history as a decorative reference.
    — Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of decorative
Noun
  • The first offerings will include pieces inspired by Byzantine artworks including imperial medallions, architectural ornaments, and statuary.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to his ornament, Hynes is also gearing up for the release of his 2026 Countdown to Christmas movie The Nights Before Christmas, which was inspired in part by the actor’s love of Groundhog Day and the Back to the Future trilogy.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of ornament
Noun
  • So Chinese rocket landings may not be a novelty for much longer.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • For Lands’ End, the shift is less about novelty than eliminating the most common point of friction in online apparel.
    — Footwear News, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of novelty
Noun
  • Bleacherites were bracing for the descending ball as a souvenir when the wind blew the ball back into the field of play, where Billy Williams caught it for the out.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The initiative transformed pins from simple souvenirs into coveted collectibles and helped foster a global community of traders and collectors.
    — Danielle Broadway, USA Today, 19 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
  • In keeping with its museum neighbour, the hotel is filled with fascinating trinkets and artsy details that reward a closer look.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Flowers, handwritten notes, drawings, photos, and a variety of trinkets are filling up a memorial to Jackie the bald eagle in the Big Bear Valley community of Fawnskin.
    — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 17 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 20 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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