embellishment

noun

em·​bel·​lish·​ment im-ˈbe-lish-mənt 

1

: the act or process of embellishing

2

: something serving to embellish

3

: ornament sense 5

Synonyms

• adornment
• beautifier
• caparison
• decoration
• doodad
• embellisher
• frill
• garnish
• garnishment
• garniture
• ornament
• ornamentation
• setoff
• trim

Examples of embellishment in a Sentence

a colorful mobile is just the embellishment that the soon-to-be nursery needs

the actor's penchant for embellishment suggests that his memoirs would be more appropriately shelved in the fiction section

Recent Examples on the Web

Make the Coat the Outfit This simple yet stylish outfit looks extra ladylike thanks to a few choice details: a slim-fit coat in navy blue, a purse cinching the waist, and a pair of yellow shoes packed with embellishments. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025

In one of her most memorable looks at the 2023 awards, the royal recycled her white Alexander McQueen gown from 2019, restyling the asymmetric neckline's corsage-style embellishment on left shoulder to a regal sweep of white chiffon. —Stephanie Petit, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025

The Senators star gave him a double-hand slash, which ended up being a penalty, but Hartman was also called for embellishment on the play. —Joe Smith, The Athletic, 4 Feb. 2025

Silver dollar size, the chocolates can be adorned with endless embellishments. —Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1