COSTUMES Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

costumes 1 of 2

noun

plural of costume

as in dresses

clothing chosen as appropriate for a specific situation a tuxedo is the only acceptable costume for men attending a formal event

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as in masks

clothing put on to hide one's true identity or imitate someone or something else Halloween costumes that caricature some of the "celebrities" created by the media over the past year

Synonyms & Similar Words

costumes

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of costume

as in clothes

to outfit with clothes and especially fine or special clothes the days when people, costumed in their Sunday best, would parade along the grand avenue on Easter

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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 costumes

Noun

Again, these can be seamlessly slotted into consumers’ occasion dressing in a manner that typical costumes cannot. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026 The costumes were part of the latest episode of Thiele’s podcast In Your Dreams, with the new episode dropping at the same time as the Instagram reveal. — Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2026 Along with the pumpkins and costumes, the candles and cobwebs, Halloween is all about storytelling. — Marcus Librizzi, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026 The supermodel is the queen of Halloween, offering up intricate, memorable costumes year after year. — Lynsey Eidell, Glamour, 26 Oct. 2026 Online photos appear to show that the costumes were used again during Saturday night’s show. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 Naturally, costumes are required for the invitation-only event. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Oct. 2026 This was especially important on Wildwood, which features a huge range of costumes; in the city sequences everyone is dressed in modern clothing, whereas in the forest characters have more fantastical looks. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 24 Oct. 2026 However, her annual 31 days of churning out Halloween costumes appears to have come to an end. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Verb

But Halloween bash or not, the best Heidi Klum Halloween costumes over the years are truly showstopping. — Lynsey Eidell, Glamour, 26 Oct. 2026 The finale began with part one of the three-part Head of Household competition, as the finalists were forced to hold on to a kite for as long as possible while dressed in some ridiculous Ben Franklin costumes. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2026 The night also saw modern iterations of court costumes from the 17th and 18th centuries. — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Seven days of building both the Ice King and Charlie the Unicorn costumes with much trial and error have culminated in her decision to go as the Ice King for the first day of San Diego Comic-Con. — Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 24 July 2026 Stewart recounted New York’s enthusiastic reaction to the Knicks winning, including the appearance of multiple Spider-Man costumes, a dancing MTA bus driver, and a drum line. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2026 The same girls who’d posted winking pop-culture-reference couples Halloween costumes a few years ago were now posting their toddlers in their own pop-culture-reference costumes. — Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026 To make that medicine go down easier, RAYE costumes her fatalism in a baroque maximalism. — Boutayna Chokrane, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026 It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion. — Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for costumes

Noun

Some with similar gowns even offered Ippolito the chance to borrow their dresses for her wedding next year.

— Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Many wore romantic wedding dresses with long lace sleeves or wraps—and one even wore boots down the aisle.

— Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of dresses

Noun

In addition to vaccination, Public Health recommended that residents take preventive measures such as washing their hands frequently, staying home when sick and wearing masks when experiencing symptoms.

— Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Dozens of eclectic objects, like stone buddhas and African masks, that Comini procured from his travels, complete the treasure trove look.

— Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of masks

Noun

Some of the pieces are the same, but there are no repeat outfits.

— Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
There are waterproof Sorel boots for rainy-day exploring, classic Adidas sneakers for casual outfits, and plenty of polished options, from slingback flats and ballet flats to easy slip-on loafers.

— Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of outfits

Browse Nearby Words

costumery

costumes

costumey

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

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Synonyms of costumes

noun

verb

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