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
Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025
It’s designed to automatically adapt to changes in user appearance, such as wearing cosmetic makeup or growing facial hair.
—Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
Chantelle Lee, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
McGrath has been given full access to the Louis Vuitton archive, which includes vanity cases to transport delicate perfumes and cosmetics from 1854, and a range of powder compacts, brushes and mirrors seen in the 1920s.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Adjective
They are commonly used in many personal, cosmetic, and cleaning products.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025
It’s designed to automatically adapt to changes in user appearance, such as wearing cosmetic makeup or growing facial hair.
—Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
President Donald Trump nominated Dr. Marty Makary to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the federal agency tasked with ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs, medical devices, food, and cosmetics.
—Chantelle Lee, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
McGrath has been given full access to the Louis Vuitton archive, which includes vanity cases to transport delicate perfumes and cosmetics from 1854, and a range of powder compacts, brushes and mirrors seen in the 1920s.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cosmetic
Adjective
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The top rack can also be used to store decorative items, including lamps and books.—
Kelsey Fredricks,
People.com,
26 Feb. 2025
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Think natural woods, earthy materials, neutral color palettes, as well as uncluttered spaces accented with functional objects like vases and mugs over decorative ones.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In the first episode, she is visited by Daniel — her former makeup artist and bestie who, surprise, also used to be beauty editor of The Tig.—
Louis Staples,
Rolling Stone,
8 Mar. 2025
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Her makeup artist Lisa Potter-Dixon and hair stylist Miles Jeffries shared the stories behind Jackson’s beauty look on their respective Instagram pages.—
Marissa Muller,
WWD,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Crisp, clean, and classic for any kind of bedroom setup, this 100% cotton option from Annie Selke features split corners, ornamental stitching, and a generous 18-inch drop.—
Shoko Wanger,
Architectural Digest,
5 Mar. 2025
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The anarchist act is meant as an ornamental admonishment, not as an actual accomplishment.—
Adam Gopnik,
The New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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It’s not recommended, primarily because paint and other embellishments likely aren’t food- or heat-safe.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
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Dusty blue velvet benches were piled against walls with peeling paint.—
Jane Arraf,
NPR,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The new species was identified by its coloring, size, body proportions, eyes, scale pattern and other subtle physical features, the study said.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
18 Feb. 2025
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Prep Wet Ingredients In a 2-cup glass measuring cup combine the remaining 3/4 cup buttermilk, egg whites, vanilla and food coloring.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cosmetic. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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