COSMETIC Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

cosmetic 1 of 2

adjective

käz-ˈme-tik

Definition of cosmetic

as in decorative

serving to add beauty changes in the original design of the building were purely cosmetic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cosmetic

2 of 2

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 cosmetic

Adjective

How cosmetic tattoos create faux freckles According to Allure’s guide to permanent makeup, an artist deposits pigment into the skin with a needle, placing individual dots across the cheeks and nose. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026 The outlet groups the service under cosmetic tattooing, sometimes marketed as semi-permanent makeup. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026

Noun

Like counts will be hidden by default, and cosmetic-surgery and extreme-makeup filters will be blocked. — Larry Magid, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026 Motiva by Establishment Labs Undetectable cosmetic procedures has become a buzzy topic in recent years, thanks to new tools, devices, and surgical techniques that create smaller incisions, faster recovery, and more natural-looking results. — Emma Sandler, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cosmetic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cosmetic

Adjective

The Threshold overhaul began in June with the team tackling decorative home first while the aesthetic started to broaden.

— David Moin, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
City train stations were filled with decorative ornamentation, public art and monuments, and other luxurious touches.

— James Folta, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of decorative

Noun

Lisa Markidis has her face painted with La Catrina makeup at the official opening of the Dia De Los Muertos altars in Gloria Molina Grand Park.

— Staff Photographer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
As part of the agreement, the social media giant agreed to block some digital beauty filters for minors — specifically those mimicking extreme transformations like cosmetic procedures or heavy makeup.

— Chloe Veltman, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of makeup

Adjective

Fortunately, the ornamental plant nursery helped sustain the business during that difficult period, and the experience pushed Ingrid to diversify the farm.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
Its vibrant Emerald Check pattern extends from the base plate to the lid, which is topped with an ornamental glass knob that feels fit for royalty.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of ornamental

Noun

The Heat outscored the Hawks 70-52 in the paint on Wednesday.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
In the distance was a bronze statue of Louis XIV on a rearing horse in the majestic Place des Victoires, its stone pedestal stained by protesters’ splashes of red paint.

— Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of paint

Noun

Add 1 to 2 drops of red food coloring to the bowl of candy melts and mix well to incorporate.

— Candy Hom, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026
With that in mind, Haug suggests requesting balayage, a freehand hair-coloring technique that lightens strands without using foils, and looks a little more natural compared to traditional highlights.

— Jacqueline Kilikita, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of coloring

Browse Nearby Words

cosigns

cosmetic

cosmetic case

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cosmetic. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of cosmetic

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on cosmetic

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

shindig

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

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

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'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

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes