costume 1 of 3

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

costume

2 of 3

verb

costume

3 of 3

adjective

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 costume
Noun
In parentheses are noted the costume designer and the year of the movie was made. Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 Buddies show up to his sets wearing matching costumes and start social-media accounts dedicated to his comedy. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
First 1883, also costumed by Janie Bryant, and then 1923, which is now in its second season. Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 Tips offered by the concierge can include everything from help with costuming to mask-making workshops. William O'Connor, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
At the same time, his team scoured costume houses in Italy, London and Madrid for both repertoire costumes and to initiate collaborations on new ones. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 5 Mar. 2025 Cat In the Hat Dr. Seuss Cat in The Hat Costume Accessory Kit Dress up as the iconic Cat In the Hat with this costume accessory kit. Lauryn Jiles, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for costume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costume
Noun
  • Just reference these outfits any time wearing dresses with sandals starts to feel stale.
    Isabel Serra, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Speaking of which, the pregnant mother wore a black strapless dress with a large long bow on the front and a side part bun for her maternity shoot.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • So, is the mask the true self, or is the man behind it?
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, peptides, and salicylic acid also slowly found their way into shampoos, conditioners, exfoliants, tonics, and masks.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Mourners clad in black and white streamed into the theater and some doubled over in tears as a recording of Pérez singing the national anthem played.
    Martín Adames Alcántara, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Kid Rock in the Oval Office—executive order, clad in a loud red outfit and a cowboy hat with rhinestones, executive order.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Faustino was dressed down in a black T-shirt and camouflage shorts for the outing.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Black and camouflage leather bomber jackets, leather cargo pants, hockey jerseys, puffer vests, hooded sweatshirts, sweatpants, tees, hats and crossbody bags are also part of the collection.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The White House posted photos of the president dressed in golfing attire the previous evening while watching U.S. forces hit Houthis rebels in Yemen who’ve been targeting Israeli and U.S. vessels in the Red Sea.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • This pair feels more fashion compared to your typical bright summer whites, and makes for a dressy jean option for all year round.
    Madeline Fass, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2025
  • This casual tee gets a dressy vibe, thanks to said puff sleeves, and the slim fit can be worn tucked into wide-leg jeans or untucked over a midi skirt.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Johnny gets a kick out of her attempts to replicate what is probably a CGI image of a girl lying on the beach in full mermaid garb.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
  • If historical clothing’s your thing, there are sessions on dyes, making reproductions of historical garb and more.
    Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, in a former guise this was the first company in China to manufacture automobiles.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • All would come under the guise of respect for local norms.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costume. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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