war paint

as in makeup
preparations intended to beautify the face when I was young, I loved to watch Mom put on her war paint before a fancy evening out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 war paint Upon applying war paint-like ash to her face, Teonna fills a pillow case with a literal stack of bibles. Matt Cabral, EW.com, 9 Jan. 2023 This is my war paint. Kelly Boutsalis, refinery29.com, 22 June 2021 My father used to call it war paint. Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, 30 Apr. 2021 Military news stories throughout the Iraq war paint a similarly sanguine picture. Andrew Shaver, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2015 See All Example Sentences for war paint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for war paint
Noun
  • Or, the formula comes in a radiant finish, which both makeup artists love for dull or tired skin in need of a pick-me-up.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Aspects of the beloved drink — from the cherry red color to the sweet aroma — will now be available in makeup form, specifically Tower 28’s GetSet Matte Powder Blush and ShineOn Lip Jelly.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Cruz used white paint and a paint roller to cover it.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
  • This inexpensive and easy craft just requires a small chalkboard, a little extra paint, and a pretty ribbon.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“War paint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/war%20paint. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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