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
Devon Abelman, Allure, 11 Feb. 2025
The big exception is anything designated as an artificial cheese product (lookin’ at you, American cheese), as well as low-fat or otherwise altered versions (which tend to include cosmetic additives to help with texture and melting).
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 11 Feb. 2025
Noor Lobad, WWD, 11 Feb. 2025
These days, Botox and other neuromodulators have become incredibly normalized, but that doesn't mean these kinds of cosmetics procedures should be taken lightly.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 9 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cosmetic 
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.
Adjective
Ginger King is a cosmetic chemist based in New Jersey.
—Devon Abelman, Allure, 11 Feb. 2025
The big exception is anything designated as an artificial cheese product (lookin’ at you, American cheese), as well as low-fat or otherwise altered versions (which tend to include cosmetic additives to help with texture and melting).
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
This time, skin care brands are leading the charge, with color cosmetics forays from Peach & Lily, Versed and Glow Recipe at the forefront.
—Noor Lobad, WWD, 11 Feb. 2025
These days, Botox and other neuromodulators have become incredibly normalized, but that doesn't mean these kinds of cosmetics procedures should be taken lightly.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 9 Feb. 2025
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 16 Feb. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share