war paint

as in makeup
preparations intended to beautify the face when I was young, I loved to watch Mom put on her war paint before a fancy evening out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of war paint This is my war paint. Kelly Boutsalis, refinery29.com, 22 June 2021 My father used to call it war paint. Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, 30 Apr. 2021 On stage, drag artist Aphrodite Banks is a femme fatale: Caked in war paint, with a waterfall of braids whipping around her waist, she’s possessed of the white-hot glare and forthright confidence to match her Amazonian height and bearing. Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Feb. 2023 Upon applying war paint-like ash to her face, Teonna fills a pillow case with a literal stack of bibles. Matt Cabral, EW.com, 9 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for war paint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for war paint
Noun
  • Find them all below, including makeup sponges that are just $1 apiece.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 30 May 2025
  • Parker’s glam included simple pieces of jewelry, such as stud earrings, and relatively simple, clean makeup, with her blond hair styled in a middle part and featuring natural waves.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • What’s next, putting the lead back into paint and gasoline?
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2025
  • Haliburton took the ball into the paint, then retreated toward the top of the key and made the game-tying jumper over the outstretched arm of Mitchell Robinson.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“War paint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/war%20paint. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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