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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of costume
Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
Perhaps more industry — as in, the MCU industrial complex — than science, the interactive exhibit promises rare comic books, costumes, props, statues of characters and drawing opportunities.
—Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Greg Evans, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
Ben Affleck opened up about the difficulties of costuming during his tenure as Batman, giving GQ a detailed breakdown on the physically draining experience of wearing a Batsuit.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 18 Apr. 2025
Brendan Le, People.com, 6 May 2025
Some go all-out in their embrace of the theme, such as Lady Gaga in her elaborate pink ensemble (complete with costume changes) on a night honoring the excesses of camp.
—Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for costume
Noun
Los Angeles Opera is staging a costume shop sale for the first time in more than a decade, and the public is invited.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
Perhaps more industry — as in, the MCU industrial complex — than science, the interactive exhibit promises rare comic books, costumes, props, statues of characters and drawing opportunities.
—Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Verb
Playing out on a New Orleans street set designed more or less as a cartoon by David Rockwell, its pirates costumed by Linda Cho in ragamuffin seafaring garb that nonetheless allows for the odd pleasing splash of color, Pirates!
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
Ben Affleck opened up about the difficulties of costuming during his tenure as Batman, giving GQ a detailed breakdown on the physically draining experience of wearing a Batsuit.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Janelle Monáe Janelle Monáe shows up in the illusion of a business suit before revealing a real red-and-black suit (a collaboration between Thom Browne and costume designer Paul Tazewell), accessorizing with a monocle and bowler hat, a Marie Lichtenberg ring and a Vacheron Constantin watch.
—Brendan Le, People.com, 6 May 2025
Some go all-out in their embrace of the theme, such as Lady Gaga in her elaborate pink ensemble (complete with costume changes) on a night honoring the excesses of camp.
—Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for costume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costume
Noun
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While arriving at Cannes' Palace of Festivals and Conferences center, per People magazine, the British actress stunned in a white and pink plaid dress.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
-
In the final scene of Sirens, Simone stands on the grounds of the mansion, gazing out at the sunset in a silky blue dress.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Noun
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To keep the cub from forming bonds with people that could jeopardize his return to the wild, staff members charged with his care are dressing up in bear costumes, including a mask, fur coat and leather gloves.—
Summer Lin,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2025
-
If possible, work outside and wear a mask and gloves.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 May 2025
Verb
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The exchange doesn’t quite go as planned, and the kidnapper and his crew are way more organized and forward-planning than the detectives anticipated, repeatedly throwing them off the trail with decoys and swaps between motorcyclists all clad in the same head-to-toe black.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
19 May 2025
-
Audience members, some clad in MAGA caps, were largely supportive of Trump.—
Emma Whitford,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Noun
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Their tan, gray and brown camouflage patterns protect them from visual predators, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.—
Natalie Demaree,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2025
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In operations, its employees were often seen heavily armed and wearing camouflage.—
Salvador Hernandez,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Fisherman's Ring Once attired in his vestments, the pontiff returns to the Sistine Chapel and sits on a papal chair.—
Christopher Watson,
ABC News,
8 May 2025
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The next step is to get the new pope attired for his first public appearance.—
Christopher Watson,
ABC News,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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With three oversized bows at the front, this tweed shift dress is a dressy option for evening events.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
17 May 2025
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The straps—matching in either blue or pink—are also given an elevated, somewhat dressy finish that creates a pearlescent effect.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Cena came out wearing his Farewell Tour garb, but in Tampa Bay Buccaneers colors.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
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Miller traces how enslaved Africans were sometimes forced to dress in luxurious garb by their enslavers, turning them into walking advertisements of their owners' wealth.—
Michel Martin,
NPR,
5 May 2025
Noun
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The show’s divergence here is enormous, first by grounding Tommy in Jackson rather than as the leader of the violent excursion and secondly removing any guise about Ellie’s intentions.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
5 May 2025
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The kit is being sold under the ridiculous guise of an educational tool.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costume. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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