WINDOW DRESSING Synonyms: 15 Similar Words

window dressing

noun

Definition of window dressing

as in facade

a deceptively attractive external appearance the crime-does-not-pay moralizing is just window dressing for nasty hard-boiled stories

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 window dressing Those side-story quests are always guaranteed to be different narrative window dressings on time trials. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 14 May 2026 For years, the large-scale cannabis industry has treated aroma like window dressing — something nice to have, but not exactly essential. — Sara Payan, Rolling Stone, 25 Feb. 2026 Unless the answer is yes, your AI tools may just be window dressing. — Vidya Plainfield, Forbes.com, 3 Feb. 2026 Skeptics may claim this as window dressing for strategic global ambitions. — Kerry E. Ratigan, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for window dressing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for window dressing

facade

Noun

One such building—the impressive Art-Nouveau mansion that now houses the Egyptian consulate—sits majestically beside the bay, handsomely showing off its columned façade and ornate wrought-iron railings following a complete restoration in 2010.

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026
The façade was lighted from below by the exterior lights that specified the building, separated it from the other night buildings.

— Emma Cline, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of facade

Browse Nearby Words

window

window dressing

window dressings

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Window dressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/window%20dressing. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of window dressing

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

baptism of fire

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes