as in decorative
serving to add beauty
the trim on Victorian houses is sometimes elaborately ornamental
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in ornament
a small object displayed for its attractiveness or interest
a collection of fragile ornamentals kept in a glass cabinet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ornamental
Jeffrey Schweers, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2025
Take English ivy, a popular choice for stabilizing soil as an ornamental plant.
—Kylie Mohr, Vox, 8 Jan. 2025
Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Nov. 2024
The three most common types of eucalyptus were brought there because people wanted them for either ornamentals or for timber trees.
—Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for ornamental
Adjective
Snow and sleet was reported as far south as Sarasota and Melbourne, causing many accidents and traffic fatalities and extensive damage to winter crops and berries and ornamental nursery plants.
—Jeffrey Schweers, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2025
Take English ivy, a popular choice for stabilizing soil as an ornamental plant.
—Kylie Mohr, Vox, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
Other foxtail plants were not in the photo but nearby ornamentals appeared to be suffering from excessive water too.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Nov. 2024
The three most common types of eucalyptus were brought there because people wanted them for either ornamentals or for timber trees.
—Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for ornamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ornamental
Adjective
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The top rack can also be used to store decorative items, including lamps and books.—
Kelsey Fredricks,
People.com,
26 Feb. 2025
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Think natural woods, earthy materials, neutral color palettes, as well as uncluttered spaces accented with functional objects like vases and mugs over decorative ones.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The 113 items—which include plaques, personal ornaments and figures—are currently housed in the Wereldmuseum Leiden, part of the country’s National Museum of World Cultures.—
Karen K. Ho,
ARTnews.com,
21 Feb. 2025
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Horizontal bands of silver and gold march in a rhythmic pattern down the right side of the goddess’ face, ornament that may represent the elaborate body tattoos popular among Thracians.—
Christopher Knight,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Because of his novelty gimmicks and goofy outfit, The Jester would be difficult to take seriously as a threat to Matt or any superhero really.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
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Betting on the most popular NFL games and props, and offseason events like the NFL Combine and draft along with novelty props and political wagering is big business.—
Jay Ginsbach,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Molaro provided his show souvenir: the Cooper tea dish.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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There are upscale shops and spots to get souvenirs unique to the Royal Hawaiian.—
Robin Raven,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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According to the store manager Daniela Oropeza, the gem is quite affordable—a marcasite-and-carnelian bracelet recently sold for $185—and is a great entry point into the world of antique baubles.—
The New Yorker,
The New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2025
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The tree featured pink and red baubles and pink ribbon with two unique Christmas tree toppers that appeared to represent Wicked’s lead characters, Glinda and Elphaba.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
25 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Once the candle is burned, the smaller vessels could be used for knickknacks and the larger ones could double as plant holders. Got My Eye on You Who doesn’t need a little protection — or a lot?—
Alix Strauss,
New York Times,
13 Feb. 2025
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The ceiling panels are scuffed, the walls are decorated with movie posters, and the desks are dotted with equipment, knickknacks, and struggling houseplants.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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According To Our Testing Pioneer Woman Harper Buffet Cabinet Growing up, your grandma likely had either a china cabinet or a buffet cabinet to store her delicate dishware, heirloom kitchenware, or other fun trinkets.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2025
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This time around, though, those secrets are more directly tied to your power progression rather than just being collectible in-game trinkets, the developers said.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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And a new cohort of designers will be dressing Snoopy and his bird friend Woodstock, said Sarah Andelman, who helped enlist them and also curated a gift shop chockablock with collectibles, collaborations and a few re-editions for the occasion.—
Lily Templeton,
WWD,
18 Feb. 2025
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Pristine Auction, a leading online auction house specializing in sports collectibles, is offering a range of items from the massive event signed by Eagles players.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
10 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ornamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ornamental. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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