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 Everyone else is window dressing. — Literary Hub, 21 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for window dressing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for window dressing

facade

Noun

Built in 1939, the dwelling’s traditional facade, with gable dormers and white picket fencing, sets the tone for interiors by local design firm KKD that feel rustic and modern at once.

— Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2026
The team says the material could eventually be used in energy recovery ventilation, building facades, thermal comfort systems and other building applications.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 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 25 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

tilde

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

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

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes