war paint

Definition of war paintnext
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 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 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
  • Never again will your towel slip off while blow drying your hair or applying makeup -- made with a soft elastic band across the back and finished with a Velcro closure in front.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Gridin has a desirable makeup, developing athleticism, skill on the puck as a 6-1 winger and a quick, NHL look to his release.
    Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Michigan packed the paint on defense, basically giving the team that averaged the fifth-fewest 3-point attempts in the country this year free rein from long distance, then daring Arizona to create inside.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Adelman and assistant coach JJ Barea launched profanities at the refs while Adelman ventured to the paint to help his star up.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“War paint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/war%20paint. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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