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
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Recent Examples of war paint
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
On stage, drag artist Aphrodite Banks is a femme fatale: Caked in war paint, with a waterfall of braids whipping around her waist, she’s possessed of the white-hot glare and forthright confidence to match her Amazonian height and bearing.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Feb. 2023
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
See All Example Sentences for 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
On stage, drag artist Aphrodite Banks is a femme fatale: Caked in war paint, with a waterfall of braids whipping around her waist, she’s possessed of the white-hot glare and forthright confidence to match her Amazonian height and bearing.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Feb. 2023
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
See All Example Sentences for war paint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for war paint
Noun
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Think about it alongside the popular narrative about immigrants from south of the border crossing into the U.S. to vote in the U.S. and allegedly change the makeup of our nation.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
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Working with her makeup artist of five years, Marquis Ward, the actress felt most confident in a look that allowed her skin to breathe and show off her natural freckles.—
Cierra Black,
Essence,
11 June 2025
Noun
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Two dozen regular attendees were also marked with red paint dots, to assess behavioral patterns of those seen frequenting the park's handful of drinking fountains.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 June 2025
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This option from notable Danish designer Montana Furniture (known for its modular storage solutions and vibrant paint jobs) boasts a myriad of eye-catching colors like a fiery red, energetic lilac, and cobalt blue to bring an air of excitement to your workday.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“War paint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/war%20paint. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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