as in decorative
serving to add beauty
changes in the original design of the building were purely cosmetic
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Recent Examples of cosmetic
Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026
Practical improvements were just as important as cosmetic ones.
—Miriam Schwartz, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026
Fred Imbert, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026
It was also adopted by dermo-cosmetic brands for sensitive skin.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Adjective
If your kitchen still feels outdated, a few cosmetic tweaks will go a long way.
—Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026
Practical improvements were just as important as cosmetic ones.
—Miriam Schwartz, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
Estee Lauder — The cosmetics company moved nearly 2% higher on the back of an upgrade at Raymond James to strong buy from market perform.
—Fred Imbert, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026
It was also adopted by dermo-cosmetic brands for sensitive skin.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cosmetic
Adjective
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In addition to all the vases and tissue boxes Stephan recommends, make sure your book collection is punctuated with decorative bookends.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The parade usually includes cheerleaders, a marching band, decorative floats decked out in the champion’s colors, and the MVP player alongside Mickey and Minnie.—
Carly Caramanna,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
To test that assumption, the research team used the JWST's powerful infrared spectrographs to analyze the chemical makeup of the planets' atmospheres.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Lopez recently gave another glimpse at her workout-wear in a recent makeup-free video.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The lush mixed planting includes canna, coleus, ornamental grass, and rose campion.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Women are ornamental to a world entirely populated and controlled by rich men.—
Emma Hinchliffe,
Fortune,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Although the paint job catches the eye, the new stands, which cost about $87,000 each, have several features that will be helpful to lifeguards and beachgoers.—
Lois K. Solomon,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
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The home exclusively features Sherwin-Williams paint, such as Pure White SW 7005 on the exterior.—
Mina Loudermilk,
Southern Living,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This set features 558 pieces, retractable landing gear, an opening cockpit, movable wing positions and the striking blue coloring of the New Republic, as seen in The Mandalorian and Grogu.—
Alexander Cox,
Space.com,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Red, pink or any other food coloring of your choice.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cosmetic. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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