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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of costume
Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2025
Other more mundane moments become tense, as when Jenna – in a costume with lingerie touches – enters a supermarket.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2025
Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024
For Fell, elements of relatability came through both costuming and styling choices like Elphaba’s microbraids, a common hairstyle for Black women, and the film’s political undertones.
—Tamia Fowlkes, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024
Colson Thayer, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
Costume contest with prizes, costume dance, special spooky drinks, karaoke, giveaways.
—Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for costume 
Noun
Gray then reappeared in her costume for a noticeably terse interview.
—Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2025
Other more mundane moments become tense, as when Jenna – in a costume with lingerie touches – enters a supermarket.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
Although the lore surrounding Krampus can lean dark, The Milk District event, where an increasing number of attendees costume up or don horns for the occasion, is anything but.
—Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024
For Fell, elements of relatability came through both costuming and styling choices like Elphaba’s microbraids, a common hairstyle for Black women, and the film’s political undertones.
—Tamia Fowlkes, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Their older two, Luna, 8 and Miles Theodore, 6, took costume ideas into their own hands.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
Costume contest with prizes, costume dance, special spooky drinks, karaoke, giveaways.
—Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for costume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costume
Noun
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They can be seen sporting colorful dresses and cowboy outfits echoing those of the seasoned performers.Amanda Lopez, NPR, 11 Jan. 2025
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Known for her approachable and casual style, Swift has also been known to hit the recording studio or meet up with friends in NYC in denim skirts, cutout off shorts and bib-front denim dresses.Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Transparency requires removing that mask and being your true, flawed self.Carlo Tortora Brayda, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
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There was a big shift from straight styles to intense natural hair care regimes including 10-step wash days including everything from pre-poos and hot oil treatments to DIY hair masks made with random household items.Shani Hillian, Allure, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
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By the time Post Malone came on stage and knocked out his high-energy, crowd-pleasing set while clad in a Luke Combs T-shirt and cutoff jorts, the air was dry and cool.Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2025
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The interior, clad with carbon-fiber extras, has the seats and dashboard both swathed in dark-brown leather.Charlie Thomas, Robb Report, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
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These spots are believed to serve as a form of camouflage or to deter predators by mimicking the appearance of larger eyes.Scott Travers, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
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This is especially good for those dealing with hyperpigmentation as the tint may offer some cosmetic camouflage and also protect against worsening hyperpigmentation from blue light exposure.Shani Hillian, Essence, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Here, see how stars like Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña and more attired themselves for the 2025 Golden Globes after-parties.Julia Teti, WWD, 6 Jan. 2025
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Ladling the baked beans was retiree Terry Heller, of Rochester Hills, attired in a Detroit Lions pullover.Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Handcrafted, the earrings can be paired with dressy date night clothing, worn to dress up work attire, or can add a touch of class to a casual outfit.Kaitlin Gates, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2025
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For dressy occasions like holiday parties or date nights, consider picking up the Sebowel Satin Maxi Skirt, which has a side tie and a drapey design that flares out slightly at the bottom.Isabel Garcia, People.com, 20 Oct. 2024
Noun
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In short order Jacob, too, delivers a fatal blow, soon to realize he’s shot Abish, who now wears Shoshone garb and paint.Keith Phipps, Vulture, 10 Jan. 2025
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One of the few distinctive features of their garb that day is the shoes: a pair of black and light gray Nike Air Max sneakers with a yellow logo.Carrie Johnson, NPR, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Wearing a brown knit cardigan, Beetlejuice takes on the guise of a couples therapist.Emma Fraser, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024
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It was only supposed to be a limited edition but the variant proved to be enough of a hit that it was brought back in 1984 with an even more potent engine and its now trademark all-black guise.Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near costume
Cite this Entry
“Costume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costume. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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