1
as in dresses
clothing chosen as appropriate for a specific situation
a tuxedo is the only acceptable costume for men attending a formal event
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in masks
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
as in clothes
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 costumes
Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
The ten day adult party is a true Key West creative explosion, featuring a marathon of parties, parades, handmade costumes, headdresses, street fair food, and tropical island energy.
—Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
The costumes, by Anna Robbins, also speak to the period’s evolving conventions.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
His commercials have graced Southwest Ohio TVs over the last two decades and inspired Reddit posts, Halloween costumes and even a surprisingly enjoyable lo-fi musical remix on YouTube.
—Otto Rabe, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2025
One of these things has intrigue, murder, thrilling cinematography, and fabulous costumes.
—Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 11 Sep. 2025
This version, choreographed by Andrea Schermoly also will be staged differently, Cerrudo said, with the production staff building new sets and designing new costumes.
—Lisa Vernon Sparks, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
Fans are pointing out everything from discrepancies in the time period of the costumes to the trailer’s unexpected steaminess.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Guest are not allowed to wear costumes that conceal their identity.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
The show, known for its Emmy Award winning costumes, was quick to help conceal Coon’s pregnancy without stooping to TV gimmicks.
—Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
The ten day adult party is a true Key West creative explosion, featuring a marathon of parties, parades, handmade costumes, headdresses, street fair food, and tropical island energy.
—Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
The costumes, by Anna Robbins, also speak to the period’s evolving conventions.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
His commercials have graced Southwest Ohio TVs over the last two decades and inspired Reddit posts, Halloween costumes and even a surprisingly enjoyable lo-fi musical remix on YouTube.
—Otto Rabe, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2025
One of these things has intrigue, murder, thrilling cinematography, and fabulous costumes.
—Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 11 Sep. 2025
This version, choreographed by Andrea Schermoly also will be staged differently, Cerrudo said, with the production staff building new sets and designing new costumes.
—Lisa Vernon Sparks, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
Fans are pointing out everything from discrepancies in the time period of the costumes to the trailer’s unexpected steaminess.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Guest are not allowed to wear costumes that conceal their identity.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costumes
Noun
-
For more of our favorite fall dresses, check out our picks below with everything from neutrals to fall colors and statement-making florals.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The dresses with polkadot prints were nostalgic and refreshing at the same time.—
Blue Carreon,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
And when the hydration from masks, oils, and butters isn’t cutting it, there’s steaming, something curly hair girls already know very well, says Kiana Rae Brown, a curly hair specialist and owner of West Coast Curls Salon in Los Angeles.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Responding to Immigration and Customs Enforcement Senate Bill 627 would prohibit law enforcement on the local, state and federal level from wearing masks that conceal their identity in the course of duty.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
While planning our outfits for our fickle Southern weather might be a challenge at times, there’s one accessory that is always needed during the season.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
13 Sep. 2025
-
They were joined by a host of celebrities in their most glamorous outfits of the season so far, from Demi Moore in full black sequin via Gucci and Dakota Johnson in a very, very naked Gucci dress.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Costumes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costumes. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share