as in ornamental
a small object displayed for its attractiveness or interest
some tacky little gaud that they had picked up at a souvenir stand at an amusement park
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gaud
At the other end is the caricature, butt of flabby jokes, trussed in Las Vegas gaud, voice prostituted to a huge orchestra.
—
San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2019
Even its colors, silver and space gray, seem to have been chosen for their lack of gaud—no blingy gold model here.
—David Pierce, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2017
In their novels, the disorienting clash between Soviet gloom and American gaud is the source of dramatic tension, exploited for tragedy and, more often, comedy.
—Nathaniel Rich, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2017
San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2019
Even its colors, silver and space gray, seem to have been chosen for their lack of gaud—no blingy gold model here.
—David Pierce, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2017
In their novels, the disorienting clash between Soviet gloom and American gaud is the source of dramatic tension, exploited for tragedy and, more often, comedy.
—Nathaniel Rich, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gaud
Noun
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Featuring four miles of trails, SDBG has the largest public bamboo collection in North America; gardens representing different regions and flora of the world; and demonstration gardens showcasing fruits and vegetables, water-smart ornamentals, and native plants.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2026
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Wormwood Like rue, wormwood is another medicinal herb that’s typically grown as an ornamental these days and enjoyed for its delightfully pungent aroma.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
10 May 2026
Noun
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The product was inspired by the popularity of the Barnum & Bailey Circus and packaged in the now-iconic circus train box designed to resemble a Christmas ornament.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
17 May 2026
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Make Your Own Art Make time for Sunspots Studios, a glassblowing studio where visitors can catch a live demonstration and choose some beautiful glass to take home, such as ornaments, vases, hummingbird feeders, and jewelry.—
Erin Gifford,
Southern Living,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gaud.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gaud. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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