costume 1 of 3

Definition of costumenext
1
as in dress
clothing chosen as appropriate for a specific situation a tuxedo is the only acceptable costume for men attending a formal event

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in mask
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

costume

2 of 3

verb

costume

3 of 3

adjective

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 costume
Noun
In fact, there were a lot of pretty curiosities to ogle at, bursting with color and fun costume-party energy (note the many party hats). Ari Stark, Footwear News, 19 May 2026 The Through Her Lens workshop includes mentorship focused on script-to-screen development, music composition, costume design, producing and directing. Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2026
Verb
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
Adjective
There are also costume sketches, props and behind-the-scenes looks. Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026 In a new Instagram post, costume designer Mona May shared a behind-the-scenes photo posing with the couple at a screeing of Chalamet's film Marty Supreme. Meg Walters, InStyle, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for costume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costume
Noun
  • For an elevated, effortless dress that’s still laidback enough to throw on over a swimsuit, look no further than this gauzy maxi.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
  • On May 15, Swift wore a yellow dress on a dinner date with Travis Kelce in downtown Manhattan.
    Claire West, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • Mini bars burst with silk eye covers, collagen masks, melatonin sprays and ear plugs, suggesting the bacchanalia Estelle encourages.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
  • Given its high transmissibility, infectious disease experts recommend that healthcare workers dealing with Ebola patients wear head coverings, as well as goggles, masks or face shields, gloves, gowns and even rubber boots.
    Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • The signature Four Seasons bed is there, clad in sumptuous white linens, and even the rooms have plenty of seating areas and ample closet space.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Lou’s muscular body is always clad in unironed clothes.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • The clothes were cute, though, if not a little costumey.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 1 May 2026
  • The white trim along the front buttons and sleeve hems gives it a vintage feel without being costumey.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • After carrying out the attack that killed three people — including a security guard who was praised for saving countless others — the video shows Clark, wearing camouflage, fatally shooting Vazquez before taking his own life.
    Anna Schecter, CBS News, 20 May 2026
  • Sources said a video posted to an online gore site allegedly shows the suspects approaching the center and then opening fire, with a person believed to be suspect Clark wearing camouflage fatigues and a plate carrier.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • Today he’s attired in a gray hoodie over a white T-shirt.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 6 May 2026
  • The mostly female attendees range from 30 years old to over 70 and are attired in outfits including cutoffs, tank tops, straw fedoras and glamorous full-length dresses.
    Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Pair your flip-flops with dressy staples—think a boho blouse and a sweater wrapped around your waist or shoulders—and keep things grounded with trendy wide-leg jeans.
    India Roby, Glamour, 18 May 2026
  • Shop dressy trousers and slacks, flowy ankle pants, tapered styles, and more.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • Kuo showed off her ice-queen garb and noticed a friend in the corner.
    Jane Bua, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • Chkhikvishvili, a Georgian national, appeared in green prison garb and fought back tears as his sentence was handed down.
    Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costume. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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