cos·met·ic
käz-ˈme-tik 
1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion : beautifying
cosmetic salves
2
: done or made for the sake of appearance: such as
a
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
b
c
: not substantive : superficial
cosmetic changes
3
: visually appealing
: something that is cosmetic: such as
a
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
b
cosmetics plural
: superficial features
a poem without rhetorical cosmetics—
Guy Davenport
Guy DavenportSynonyms
Examples of cosmetic in a Sentence
Adjective
Almond oil is sometimes used in cosmetic products.
medical procedures that are done for cosmetic purposes
The changes were purely cosmetic.
Noun
Use a cosmetic to hide the scar.
Recent Examples on the Web
Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Teresa Giudice is letting fans inside her cosmetic treatments.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
Jennifer Weil, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024
In fact, this ultra-fine mist is developed to boost the radiance of your look, thanks to its thin, vinyl-like veil of polymers that transparently hold cosmetics in place while still feeling breathable on skin.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cosmetic 
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Adjective
Danielle Noguera, President of the cosmetic dental practice, stated that Meech dealt with many teeth issues due to his time in prison.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Teresa Giudice is letting fans inside her cosmetic treatments.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
Variations on that theme dominated the runway, with dense, glittering embroideries on evening columns, sculptural cocktail dresses, jumpsuits and cropped jackets, all teasing color cosmetics, a category that the brand has yet to introduce.
—Jennifer Weil, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024
In fact, this ultra-fine mist is developed to boost the radiance of your look, thanks to its thin, vinyl-like veil of polymers that transparently hold cosmetics in place while still feeling breathable on skin.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cosmetic
Dictionary Entries Near cosmetic
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cosmetic
1 of 2 noun
cos·met·ic
käz-ˈmet-ik
: a preparation (as a cream, lotion, or powder) used to improve a person's appearance
cosmetic
2 of 2 adjective
: intended to improve a person's appearance
Medical Definition
cosmetic
1 of 2 noun
cos·met·ic
käz-ˈmet-ik
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
cosmetic
2 of 2 adjective1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion
cosmetic salves
2
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
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