ornamental 1 of 2

adjective

ˌȯr-nə-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce ornamental (audio)
Definition of ornamentalnext
as in decorative
serving to add beauty the trim on Victorian houses is sometimes elaborately ornamental

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ornamental

2 of 2

noun

as in ornament
a small object displayed for its attractiveness or interest a collection of fragile ornamentals kept in a glass cabinet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 ornamental
Adjective
Try lanceleaf coreopsis, calamint, butterfly milkweed, and ornamental onion. — Teresa Woodard, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2026 The Cherry Blossom Garden Club will host horticulturist Yvonne Savio for a talk on growing edible and ornamental plants during our cooler months. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
Select a fungicide labeled for leaf spots on ornamentals and follow the label. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026 Gardeners can naturally reduce beetle populations and protect their landscapes by planting geraniums among more susceptible ornamentals. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ornamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ornamental
  1. decorative
  2. ornament
  3. novelty
  4. souvenir
  5. bauble
  6. knickknack
  7. trinket
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
  • It’s made from wood and comes with the calendar, which is filled with 24 ornaments to add a new one to the branches each day.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Scarabs, serpents, vultures, lunar ornaments, ancient gods like Horus and Anubis carved from gold and lapis lazuli—all strategically placed on various points along the body.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of ornament
Noun
  • There are better ways to bring fun and novelty to this show than reenacting old RHONY GIFs.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The horror film follows Bear (Michael Johnston), a shy young man desperate to escape the friend zone, who uses a novelty item called the One Wish Willow to wish that his crush, Nikki, would love him more than anyone else in the world.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of novelty
Noun
  • Though, to be clear, Jackson Hole is doing a lot more than selling tongue-in-cheek souvenir tees to help protect its natural beauty and authentic character as popularity grows.
    — Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The photos, awards and other memorabilia aren’t just souvenirs of his storied career.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of souvenir
Noun
  • Still, some of these baubles run the risk of being fragile, or priced outside my price range.
    — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Lured in by such shiny baubles, the responsible critic should avoid making premature, weepingly sincere pronouncements.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of bauble
Noun
  • Arrow Rock Antiques & Mercantile is stocked with vintage knickknacks and home decor items.
    — Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Décor To complement wall art, look for knickknacks and small décor items, such as statues, decorative trays, faux plants, and ceramic pieces.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of knickknack
Noun
  • Savvy shoppers are sure to find lots of trinkets and treasures at a bargain price.
    — Laura Daily, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2026
  • This isn’t a delicate desk trinket that cowers at a splash of rain.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of trinket

Browse Nearby Words

ornament
ornamental
ornamentals
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Cite this Entry

“Ornamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ornamental. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ornamental

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ornamental

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