war paint

as in makeup
preparations intended to beautify the face when I was young, I loved to watch Mom put on her war paint before a fancy evening out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 war paint Upon applying war paint-like ash to her face, Teonna fills a pillow case with a literal stack of bibles. Matt Cabral, EW.com, 9 Jan. 2023 This is my war paint. Kelly Boutsalis, refinery29.com, 22 June 2021 My father used to call it war paint. Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, 30 Apr. 2021 Military news stories throughout the Iraq war paint a similarly sanguine picture. Andrew Shaver, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2015 See All Example Sentences for war paint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for war paint
Noun
  • From splurge-worthy sales to dazzling holiday collections, there is much to look forward to… though few events get the gals going like Merit’s signature makeup bag remix.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Our Top Picks From quick-dry formulas perfect for beginners to long-lasting bond-and-seal systems built for days of wear, these are the best eyelash glues worth adding to your makeup kit.
    Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Kids can create their own pumpkin masterpieces using non-toxic acrylic paint markers during special hours and for an additional cost.
    Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Sep. 2025
  • That’s an easy one—a can of paint.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“War paint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/war%20paint. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

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