cosmetic

1 of 2

adjective

cos·​met·​ic käz-ˈme-tik How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
Synonyms of cosmetic
1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion : beautifying
cosmetic salves
2
: done or made for the sake of appearance: such as
a
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
b
: decorative, ornamental
c
: not substantive : superficial
cosmetic changes
3
: visually appealing
cosmetically
käz-ˈme-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
adverb

cosmetic

2 of 2

noun

: something that is cosmetic: such as
a
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
b
cosmetics plural : superficial features
… a poem without rhetorical cosmetics …—Guy Davenport

Synonyms of cosmetic

Relevance

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of cosmetic in a Sentence

Adjective Almond oil is sometimes used in cosmetic products. medical procedures that are done for cosmetic purposes The changes were purely cosmetic. Noun Use a cosmetic to hide the scar.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
If your cosmetic bag has been hanging on since the days of department store gift-with-purchase promotions, consider this your sign to retire it. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 June 2026 For just $18, this set includes four cubes in different sizes, along with a shoe bag, laundry bag, and cosmetic pouch to keep every travel essential in its place. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
Noun
The interior also comes with a cotton liner, which will be much easier to spot-clean should your cosmetics or snacks leave a stain. — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 So So Glos built the studio themselves a decade ago, in a deserted cosmetics warehouse. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cosmetic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Greek kosmētikos skilled in adornment, from kosmein to arrange, adorn, from kosmos order

First Known Use

Adjective

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cosmetic was in 1638

Phrases Containing cosmetic

Rhymes for cosmetic

See All Rhymes for cosmetic

Browse Nearby Words

cosmecology
cosmetic
cosmetical
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cosmetic

1 of 2 noun
cos·​met·​ic käz-ˈmet-ik How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
: a preparation (as a cream, lotion, or powder) used to improve a person's appearance

cosmetic

2 of 2 adjective
: intended to improve a person's appearance

Medical Definition

cosmetic

1 of 2 noun
cos·​met·​ic käz-ˈmet-ik How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
: a cosmetic preparation for external use

cosmetic

2 of 2 adjective
1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion
cosmetic salves
2
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
cosmetically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on cosmetic

Nglish: Translation of cosmetic for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cosmetic

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