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
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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
as in to dress
to outfit with clothes and especially fine or special clothes
the days when people, costumed in their Sunday best, would parade along the grand avenue on Easter
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in costumey
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of costume
EW.com, 4 Mar. 2025
But these cute and comfy boots also make the perfect Halloween costume accessory.
—Lauryn Jiles, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025
Justin Davidson, Vulture, 22 Jan. 2025
However, their strength was seen not just on their faces–but it was also presented by Wagner by way of costuming.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 12 Dec. 2024
Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 7 Feb. 2025
Three decades in the making, the stunning, informative presentation takes visitors inside the minds of costume directors with displays that explain not only the functionality and versatility of the costumes, but the safety aspects incorporated into them.
—Ryan Slattery, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for costume
Noun
Warren comes off as shrill and cloying when compared with Julie Andrews' perfect voice and unaffected sweetness, and the high-school-grade set design and categorically ugly costumes are that much more dismal when compared to the vivid production of the 1997 fairy tale.
—EW.com, 4 Mar. 2025
But these cute and comfy boots also make the perfect Halloween costume accessory.
—Lauryn Jiles, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
Bathed in emerald or fuchsia light, costumed by Molly Irelan in a short dress, fishnet stockings, and clunky boots, Weilerstein shared the stage with Seth Reiser’s sets, an arrangement of slabs like so many sawn-up doors.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 22 Jan. 2025
However, their strength was seen not just on their faces–but it was also presented by Wagner by way of costuming.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
The evening celebrated three costume designers for their work through the years.
—Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 7 Feb. 2025
Three decades in the making, the stunning, informative presentation takes visitors inside the minds of costume directors with displays that explain not only the functionality and versatility of the costumes, but the safety aspects incorporated into them.
—Ryan Slattery, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for costume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costume
Noun
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On Tuesday, March 11, Ortega arrived at a special screening of her new movie, Death of a Unicorn, wearing a strapless, asymmetrical, black David Koma dress.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
12 Mar. 2025
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Brown wore a sheer, figure-hugging black lace dress which featured a faux fur neckline and cuffs, with black underwear underneath.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In the middle is Toledo, 32, lanky and thoughtful as always, with an N95 mask and long hair hiding much of his face.—
Simon Vozick-Levinson,
Rolling Stone,
4 Mar. 2025
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With a mission to cater to Black hair, the brand built a devoted following, offering everything from deeply nourishing conditioners to cult-favorite hair masks.—
Larry Stansbury,
Essence,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Video posted on social media shows the man, clad in black, climbing to the top of the fence as dogs on White House grounds run toward the fence.—
John Bacon,
USA TODAY,
9 Mar. 2025
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The mysterious portrait, on loan to conservation charity English Heritage from a private collection, shows a young woman clad modestly in a white cap and shawl.—
Amarachi Orie,
CNN,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Leaves: Birds like Eastern towhees and wood thrushes use leaves in their nests for camouflage, insulation, and structure.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Mar. 2025
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Scientists learned in 2023 that the process by which cuttlefish generate their camouflage patterns is significantly more complex than scientists previously thought.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
Ars Technica,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In a portrait that is emblematic of her art, Gottfried photographed a circus entertainer dressed in a top hat and white tie, accompanied by his two canine partners, also formally attired, the large Doberman pinscher in a white tie and a turban, the miniature pinscher with a frilly collar.—
Arthur Lubow,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2025
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The film’s stars, including Robert Pattinson, attired the best threads for the red carpet occasion, posing for photos ahead of the film’s screening.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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By For Cleaning Out My Closet Exceptions To My Closet Clean-Out Rule The only exceptions to my rule are extremely sentimental and/or dressy pieces.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
1 Mar. 2025
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Putting together a dressy outfit is no small feat during the winter.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
25 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Will this middle-aged man in his banker’s garb of pinstripe suit, blue shirt with a white collar and cuffs, be the one to vote against him?—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
4 Mar. 2025
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Comprised of cowrie shells, the collar was elegant and a unique take on garbs worn during monumental, history-defining moments.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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In its stock guise, the Dark Horse is capable of 0 to 60mph in 3.7 seconds and covers the quarter mile in 12 seconds at 118.4mph.—
Trinity Francis,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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According to certain cosmologies, their souls take on the guise of marine creatures—an idea that struck me as strangely comforting.—
Julian Lucas,
The New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costume. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
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