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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Meanwhile, the legendary makeup artist behind Gabrielle Union, Tyra Banks, and even Kamala Harris, Sam Fine demonstrated the secret to blush and bronzed beauty with Juvia’s Place.—
India Espy-Jones,
Essence,
6 July 2025
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But there are also storytellers, makeup artists, theater majors and ballerinas — Americans who probably never thought their skills would match the needs of a spy agency.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 July 2025
Noun
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Reportedly Among Teams Interested in Marlins Pitcher Not Named Sandy Alcantara NY Giants Standout Slighted in Recent Positional Rankings Users on Reddit were overwhelmingly supportive of the paint job, with many expressing admiration for the new look.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
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The rest of the party seemingly echoed Hockney, 88, and his work as Charlie’s gathering was a pool party that also featured a paint station.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“War paint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/war%20paint. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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